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 Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 19
84/100
Factual
80/100
Objective
20
Articles
20
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Factcheck: 10 flaws in the Conservative report on ‘cheap power’
A new report by the centre-right thinktank Onward, commissioned by the UK's opposition Conservative Party, argues that abandoning the UK's net-zero by 2050 target would reduce electricity costs and benefit the climate. The report claims that cheaper electricity would boost the adoption of electric vehicles and heat pumps, but experts criticize the report for flawed assumptions and modeling. The report's alternative scenario predicts increased carbon emissions and reduced electrification compared to maintaining current net-zero policies. Experts like Iain Staffell from Imperial College London point out significant issues with the report's methodology, suggesting that renewable energy, rather than gas and nuclear, would offer the lowest overall costs.
Q&A: What is ‘long-duration energy storage’ – and why does the UK need it?
The UK is developing 'long-duration energy storage' (LDES), a technology capable of storing energy for extended periods, days, weeks, or even years, to stabilize the grid as renewable energy sources like wind and solar become more prevalent. Current battery systems typically last only a few hours, making them insufficient for prolonged periods of low renewable generation, known as 'dunkelflaute.' The UK's energy regulator, Ofgem, has identified 16 LDES projects to support under a new 'cap-and-floor scheme,' which aims to incentivize investment in this area. Technologies involved range from pumped hydro, which has been traditionally used for long-term storage, to newer innovations such as flow batteries and compressed air storage. These advancements are projected to reduce energy system costs by over £24 billion between 2030 and 2050. Existing LDES capacity in the UK currently stands at 2.8 gigawatts, primarily composed of four pumped-hydro facilities in Scotland and Wales, with the Dinorwig power station being the largest.
Explainer: How the ‘super El Niño’ will reshape the world’s weather
The article explains the mechanisms behind El Niño and La Niña climate phenomena, focusing on their impact on global weather patterns. Under normal conditions, trade winds drive warm surface water toward Asia while cold water rises along the South American coast, creating nutrient-rich waters that support major fisheries like Peru's anchovy fishery, the largest in the world. These conditions influence rainfall patterns, with warm waters in the western Pacific leading to heavy rain in Southeast Asia and dry conditions along South America's west coast. During an El Niño event, weakened trade winds allow warm water to return to South America, reducing upwelling and altering rainfall patterns, which can lead to extreme weather globally. Conversely, La Niña strengthens trade winds, increasing upwelling and intensifying rainfall in Southeast Asia while drying out South America's west coast. Historical records indicate that Peruvian fishermen recognized El Niño events as early as the 1600s, naming the phenomenon after the Christ Child due to its seasonal occurrence.
Analysis: The two largest reservoirs in the US have hit record-low levels
Two of the largest reservoirs in the United States, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, have reached record-low water levels. Both reservoirs are located on the Colorado River, which supplies water to approximately 40 million people across seven southwestern U.S. states and supports agricultural land covering 5.5 million acres. Experts attribute the declining water levels to climate change, population growth, and overuse. Lake Mead hit a record low of 317.11 meters above sea level on August 7, while Lake Powell reached 1,072.87 meters, marking another record low. Scientists warn that the depletion will likely continue until early spring, as snowmelt in the Upper Colorado River Basin remains the primary source of replenishment. Climate research indicates that human-driven changes have contributed significantly to reduced river flow, with a megadrought affecting the region for over two decades.
Why land-use emissions have fallen by a third this century – in six charts
Land-use emissions, which include deforestation, forest degradation, peatland loss, and tree harvesting for wood, have declined significantly over the 21st century. According to the latest Global Carbon Budget report published in the journal Earth System Science Data, there was a 'statistically significant decrease' in land-use change emissions since the late 1990s. The report highlights a steep drop after 2015, with land-use emissions averaging 5 gigatonnes of CO2 annually between 2015-24, about 23% lower than the 1995-2004 period. Meanwhile, fossil fuel and cement emissions have steadily risen, reaching 38.1 gigatonnes in 2025. Climate scientists Dr Zeke Hausfather and Prof Pierre Friedlingstein note that land-use emissions in 2025 were lower than their 2014-25 average, underscoring the ongoing trend of reduced emissions from land-use changes despite increasing fossil fuel emissions.
Q&A: What does China’s 15th five-year plan for coal mean for climate action?
China has released its 15th Five-Year Plan for the coal industry, outlining policies for the period 2026–2030. The plan emphasizes coal's continued role as a 'foundational' energy source for the nation's economy and energy security, while acknowledging the need for a 'green and low-carbon transition.' Unlike previous proposals suggesting coal consumption might peak before 2027, the new plan does not specify a particular year for such a peak but sets a broader goal of achieving it during the five-year period. Analysts note that geopolitical factors, particularly the Middle East conflict, have reinforced coal's position as a reliable and affordable energy source. However, the plan also highlights the necessity for the coal sector to diversify into clean energy and other industries as coal usage reaches its peak.
EVs are about to become more expensive
The UK government is considering relaxing its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires 80% of new cars sold by 2030 to be electric. This move follows lobbying from car manufacturers who claim the current rules force last-minute discounts on electric vehicles to meet compliance targets and avoid fines. The proposed changes could reduce aggressive EV discounts, though industry experts suggest competition among manufacturers will still provide good deals for consumers. The Department for Transport stated it remains committed to phasing out petrol and diesel cars by 2030 but will review the mandate to support the automotive industry. Industry representatives believe this shift could lead to healthier market conditions over time.
Q&A: What is in China’s new five-year plan for climate change?
China has released a new five-year plan focused on addressing climate change, which outlines goals for reducing emissions and enhancing climate resilience through 2030. The plan, issued by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) in collaboration with 18 other government agencies, includes targets for peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. It emphasizes non-CO2 greenhouse gases, carbon markets, and international cooperation, marking a consolidation of existing policies rather than introducing new targets. Experts note the plan reflects a strategic shift toward comprehensive climate governance, aligning with China's commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Q&A: Does the world need ‘carbon capture and storage’ to reach net-zero?
The article discusses carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a critical component of many countries' net-zero strategies, particularly highlighting its importance in decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries like cement production. It notes that organizations such as the IPCC consider CCS 'critical' for reducing emissions and avoiding dangerous global warming. The UK has pledged significant investment in CCS as part of its net-zero plan. However, the technology faces criticism due to high costs, ties to the fossil fuel industry, and a history of poor performance. Critics argue that CCS is a 'dangerous distraction' or a 'false climate solution,' and its rollout has repeatedly been scaled back. The article explains how CCS works, involving capturing CO2 emissions, compressing them, and storing them underground or using them in industrial processes. While some applications like producing fertilizers and fuels are mentioned, these do not always result in permanent emission reductions.
Factcheck: How nuclear, gas, wind and solar power are affected during heatwaves
Heatwaves are increasingly affecting global power generation as rising temperatures challenge different energy sources. In June and July 2026, European heatwaves caused nuclear reactors to shut down, reduced gas plant efficiency, and slowed wind speeds, straining electricity networks. While some critics focus on 'intermittent' renewables like wind and solar, the article highlights that all energy sources face challenges. In France, daily electricity demand surged by nearly 20% during a heatwave, leading to higher power prices. The piece examines how nuclear power, particularly those using river water for cooling, is especially vulnerable to heatwaves and droughts. It notes that France relies heavily on nuclear power, with 70% of its electricity coming from this source, and cites historical instances where heatwaves impacted nuclear output. The article also references other European countries facing similar issues, emphasizing the broader implications of climate change on energy systems.
Q&A: What does China’s 15th ‘five-year plan’ for renewables mean for climate change?
China has unveiled its 15th 'five-year plan' for renewable energy, setting ambitious targets for expanding wind, solar, and other clean energy sources between 2026 and 2030. The plan aims to install 3,500 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with 2,800 GW coming from wind and solar power alone. This represents a significant increase from China's earlier pledge to install 1,200 GW of wind and solar by 2030, which was achieved six years ahead of schedule. The plan emphasizes improving the dependability and grid compatibility of wind and solar energy to enhance energy security. Additionally, it promotes the use of renewable energy beyond electricity generation, such as in industries like steel and chemicals. The plan was jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the National Energy Administration (NEA), highlighting the government's commitment to advancing its energy transition.
Correcting climate ‘misperceptions’ may not boost climate action
New research published in Nature Climate Change highlights a 'perception gap' where the general public underestimates support for climate action while overestimating others' actions. The study, based on surveys of over 5,000 people in Germany and the U.S., finds that people's beliefs about their peers' climate commitments differ significantly from reality. Researchers argue that this gap is not due to ignorance or bias but reflects poor estimation skills. The study challenges the common approach of 'correcting misperceptions' as a strategy to increase climate action, suggesting that nuanced understanding of public behavior is needed. Previous studies have largely focused on self-reported willingness to support climate initiatives, whereas this research measures actual behaviors like donations and participation in advocacy efforts.
Factcheck: No, Europe is not having its ‘quietest’ year for wildfires
In 2026, several climate skeptics and right-wing commentators falsely claimed that Europe is experiencing its 'quietest' year for wildfires, using misleading charts that include data from Russia and fires intentionally set for land management. These claims were debunked by Carbon Brief, which showed that the EU had the second-highest wildfire area burned for this time of year, behind 2022. France set a new record for area burned, and Spain faced one of its worst wildfire seasons. Over 330,000 people were displaced due to fires in southwestern Europe, with concerns growing over an upcoming heatwave. Prominent figures like Matt Ridley and Matthew Wielicki shared these misleading charts, which rely on data from the Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS), which includes Russia, a country responsible for most of the area burned.