United KingdomOwnership & classification
Founded: 2010
Ownership
Carbon Brief is a UK-based specialist website covering climate science, energy and policy, launched in December 2010 (initially as a rapid-rebuttal blog) and edited by Leo Hickman. It operates as a London-based non-profit and is not owned by a commercial publisher; it is sustained by philanthropic grant funders rather than shareholders.
Funding
Carbon Brief is financed by philanthropic grants, principally annual funding from the European Climate Foundation (itself backed by large foundations such as the Hewlett Foundation) and, more recently, the Meliore Foundation, with funding reported around £1.9 million for 2025. It states it maintains an editorial firewall between funders and coverage.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially Carbon Brief is a science-focused, mainstream climate outlet with no party or government tie; its centre-left framing reflects acceptance of climate science rather than partisan alignment. Because it is privately run as a non-profit funded by independent philanthropies (not a party, state, church or oligarch) with a stated editorial firewall, it is classed INDEPENDENT, consistent with the site's tag — donor reliance being the main caveat.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Left
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 27
82/100
Factual
79/100
Objective
42
Articles
42
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Heat pump growth stalls as government support cut, warns climate watchdog
Prof Philippe Ciais: The world’s most highly cited climate scientist
Carbon Brief’s ranking of the most highly cited climate publications
Americans – the three things you don’t get about a British heatwave
Analysis: Solar overtakes gas power in Asia for first time ever
Recent coverage
In the tropical Pacific, El Niño conditions have set in, researchers say.
The article reports that researchers from New Zealand’s Earth Sciences organization (ESNZ) have identified conditions consistent with the El Niño climate phenomenon in the tropical Pacific. They warn that impacts on New Zealand’s weather are likely to intensify over the coming months. The ESNZ joined other organizations in Australia, Japan, and the U.S. in confirming the development of El Niño, which is expected to reach strong intensity between July and September. The effects are projected to peak during the Southern Hemisphere summer, spanning late 2023 into early 2024. According to lead researcher Chris Brandolini, this El Niño event is at least comparable in strength to five of the strongest recorded El Niños in modern history. The article outlines regional rainfall expectations, noting potential below-average precipitation in some areas and above-normal levels in others. It also mentions possible temperature fluctuations and increased wind variability later in the year. Additionally, it notes two lower-probability risks: sudden stratospheric warming and the occurrence of a tropical cyclone outside the typical season, both historically linked to El Niño. Brandolini connects the
DeBriefed 3 July 2026: US faces scorching Independence Day | Record ocean temperatures | Vietnam’s EV surge
The article covers several climate-related developments. In the U.S., extreme heat disrupted Independence Day celebrations, with temperatures reaching record highs and power grids under strain. Similar heatwaves affected Western and Eastern Europe, leading to health alerts and increased mortality rates in countries like Spain, France, and the Netherlands. Ocean temperatures also hit record levels, raising concerns about worsening heatwaves and climate impacts. Globally, the World Bank has abandoned its target to allocate 45% of lending to climate projects, while China announced significant investment in energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, UK Labour leaders urged against expanding offshore oil drilling, and Canada's Prime Minister proposed a major oil pipeline project.
Third UK heatwave increasingly likely as 30C temperatures forecast
An upcoming heatwave in the UK is being predicted, with temperatures potentially reaching 30°C in parts of the southeast by the weekend. The Met Office reports that June 2026 was the warmest June on record for England and the second warmest for the UK overall. A high-pressure system from the Azores is moving toward the Iberian Peninsula, contributing to rising temperatures. While the UK typically declares a heatwave when temperatures meet specific regional thresholds—such as three consecutive days of 28°C in London and the southeast—the current conditions suggest the heatwave might begin earlier than usual. The UK Health Security Agency has issued heat health alerts for several regions, cautioning about risks to vulnerable individuals. Although the air is expected to be less humid compared to previous heatwaves, the potential for discomfort remains. Northern areas are unlikely to experience heatwave-level temperatures soon due to the influence of Atlantic air and possible rainfall.
Q&A: How will the World Bank’s abandoned finance goal affect climate action?
The World Bank has abandoned its previous target of allocating 45% of its funding to developing countries as 'climate finance,' under pressure from the U.S. government. However, the bank has retained its broader 'action plan' for addressing climate change. As the largest multilateral development bank, the World Bank provided $39.2 billion in climate-related financing in 2025, primarily through loans. While the specific 45% target was scrapped, the institution continues to prioritize climate-related investments, particularly in renewable energy and infrastructure projects in countries like India, Pakistan, and others. The decision reflects ongoing tensions between U.S. influence and efforts by both developed and developing nations to maintain ambitious climate goals.
Q&A: Where do the UN secretary general candidates stand on climate change?
This article discusses the upcoming nomination process for the United Nations Secretary-General, who will succeed António Guterres after his tenure ends in 2026. It highlights Guterres' advocacy for climate action during his time in office and notes his predecessor, Ban Ki-moon, who played a key role in negotiating the Paris Climate Agreement. The article outlines the roles and responsibilities of the UN Secretary-General, emphasizing their dual function as both a diplomatic figure and an advocate for global issues like climate change. Six candidates have already been nominated, with more expected. The piece provides background on the historical significance of the role and the importance of climate action within the UN framework.
Analysis: UK newspapers have already printed 63 editorials in 2026 backing North Sea drilling
Carbon Brief reports that UK newspapers have published 63 editorials in 2026 advocating for increased North Sea oil and gas drilling, marking a significant rise compared to previous years. The editorials, from outlets like the Sun, Daily Telegraph, and Times, argue that more drilling is needed to address an 'energy crisis' and criticize Energy Secretary Ed Miliband's 'net-zero crusade' for limiting fossil fuel production. The piece notes that North Sea production has been declining for decades, with roughly 90% of potential reserves already depleted. Despite this, right-leaning media continue to frame Labour's policies as 'self-destructive' and driven by 'green ideology.' Experts caution that extracting remaining reserves would have minimal impact on energy prices or security.
Cropped 1 July 2026: Heatwave scorches Europe | UK 2050 farm plan | What’s next for the High Seas Treaty
A severe heatwave has impacted agriculture and ecosystems across Europe, causing significant damage to livestock, crops, and natural environments. In France, hundreds of thousands of poultry died due to extreme heat, while in Belgium, heat stress affected cows and pigs, raising concerns about dairy and meat production. In the UK, government data revealed a doubling of animal deaths during transport to slaughterhouses in 2025 compared to 2024. Natural landscapes also suffered, including wildfires in Derbyshire and accelerated glacier melting in Switzerland. The UK government unveiled a 2050 farming roadmap aimed at making agriculture more climate-resilient, increasing food production, and restoring nature. However, critics argue the plan lacks sufficient action. Additionally, new measures were introduced to prevent illegal deforestation in supply chains, though some initiatives faced delays due to concerns over public perception.
Six charts show how clean power was world’s largest source of new energy in 2025
In 2025, clean power became the largest source of new energy globally, surpassing all other energy sources combined, according to the Energy Institute's Statistical Review of World Energy. Wind and solar together accounted for more new energy than any individual fossil fuel, marking a significant shift toward renewable energy. Despite this progress, fossil fuels still provided 86.2% of global primary energy supply, though their economic impact is less due to energy losses during combustion. The report highlights that while all energy sources reached record highs in 2025, electricity demand grew at 3%, significantly faster than overall energy use, which increased by 1.7%. Clean energy met all of the growth in global electricity consumption, underscoring its increasing role in the energy mix.
Q&A: What happens when warming streams push young salmon beyond their limits
Researchers from UBC's Pacific Salmon Ecology and Conservation Lab, in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the National Institute of Aquatic Resources in Denmark, conducted swimming trials to examine how young salmon respond to warming water temperatures. The studies focused on juvenile Chinook salmon from the Nicola River in British Columbia, comparing two life stages: fry (about two months old) and parr (around six months old). They found that fish tested while swimming showed reduced physiological coping abilities with warm temperatures compared to stationary trials, indicating that traditional heat tolerance assessments may overestimate their resilience in natural conditions. A critical temperature threshold was identified at 20°C (68°F), where fish acclimated to this temperature or warmer performed better, but beyond that point, their ability to cope declined. Fry were found to tolerate warmer temperatures better than parr, which may be due to differences in oxygen circulation efficiency. Additionally, fish acclimated to cooler temperatures (12–15°C) that were exposed to sudden warm temperatures (24°C) experienced high mortality rates, highlighting the risks of骤
Guest post: Climate change has caused one-fifth of Pine Island glacier retreat
The Pine Island Glacier in West Antarctica, one of the fastest-changing glaciers globally, has experienced significant retreat due to warm water erosion from below. The glacier contributes nearly half of the sea-level rise from Antarctic ice sheet melting. A recent study published in 'Cryosphere' attributes approximately 4 km—roughly one-fifth—of the Pine Island Glacier's retreat to human-caused climate change since pre-industrial times. This research marks the first attribution study of glacier retreat in Antarctica. Historical data indicates that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, including Pine Island and neighboring Thwaites Glaciers, has retreated significantly since the Last Glacial Maximum around 20,000 years ago. Sediment records show that the Pine Island Glacier began retreating in the 1940s, coinciding with a strong El Niño event that increased ocean temperatures.
DeBriefed 26 June 2026: Heat records broken across Europe | London climate action week | Introducing ‘Project Cosmos’
This week, Europe experienced record-breaking heatwaves, with the UK breaking its June temperature record twice and France recording its hottest day ever on consecutive days. Temperatures reached up to 44.3°C in southern France and 36.7°C in Somerset, UK, leading to increased emergency calls. Media outlets including the Guardian, BBC News, and SwissInfo reported these extreme conditions. A study by the World Weather Attribution service linked the severity of the heatwave to climate change caused by fossil fuel emissions. During London Climate Action Week, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for global action on methane emissions and AI transparency, urging renewable energy use by 2030. Governments, including those of the EU and the UK, pledged support for rapid economic electrification to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Meanwhile, the UK approved its seventh carbon budget aiming for an 87% reduction in emissions by 2040. A French court ordered TotalEnergies to account for emissions from its products, and energy exporters like the US and Qatar urged the EU to revise methane regulations.
Q&A: What change of power in Colombia could mean for world’s fossil-fuel transition
Colombia, under the leadership of leftist President Gustavo Petro, had become a leading advocate for global transition away from fossil fuels, committing to halt new fossil fuel projects and promoting renewable energy. In April 2026, Colombia hosted a significant international meeting in Santa Marta with the Netherlands to advance this cause, resulting in the 'Santa Marta process.' However, in June 2026, Petro's ally lost the presidential election to Abelardo de la Espriella, a hard-right populist aligned with U.S. President Donald Trump, who supports boosting oil production and expanding fracking. This shift raises questions about Colombia's future role in global efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence, particularly ahead of COP31 in Turkey.
China Briefing 25 June 2026: Five-year plans passed | Critical-mineral tensions | Industrial decarbonisation plan
Carbon Brief reports on recent developments in China related to climate and energy policies. China has released its 15th five-year plan aiming to build a 'new-type energy system,' targeting 30% clean energy in power generation by 2030, with wind and solar becoming the mainstay. The plan emphasizes upgrading the grid to accommodate distributed energy and promoting technologies like virtual power plants and hydrogen, while also reinforcing coal's role as a backup. Additionally, China's State Council approved a 'beautiful China' five-year plan focusing on addressing climate change and green development. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment also approved several environmental five-year plans, though their full texts are not yet available. Separately, a five-year plan on employment highlights the development of new energy systems to unlock employment opportunities. Meanwhile, the G7 has expressed concerns about reducing dependence on China for critical minerals, stating no single country should supply more than 60% of rare earth imports.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Nothing flagged as overlooked yet.