David Shukman

BBC’s First Science Editor & Author of ‘Reporting Live from the End of the World‘

David Shukman’s Biography:

David Shukman is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster and environmental commentator, best known as the BBC News’ first Science Editor and one of the UK’s leading authorities on science, climate change and current affairs. Drawing on decades of frontline reporting from conflict zones, natural disasters and some of the world’s most remote environments, David brings audiences a rare combination of scientific expertise, political insight and compelling storytelling. Having led the BBC’s coverage of climate change and environmental issues for nearly twenty years, broadcasting live from locations including the Arctic and the Amazon, he is a highly sought-after keynote speaker on climate, sustainability, geopolitics and the future of our planet.

David’s career began in 1980 as a reporter for the Coventry Evening Telegraph before joining the BBC in 1983. Over the following decades, he held a succession of senior reporting roles, including Northern Ireland Reporter, Defence Correspondent and World Affairs Correspondent, covering major international events, conflicts and political developments across the globe. His breadth of experience eventually led to his appointment as the BBC’s inaugural Science Editor, where he became one of Britain’s most recognisable science journalists. Alongside his broadcasting career, David earned a degree in Geography from the University of Durham, providing the academic foundation for his extensive reporting on environmental and climate issues. Since leaving the BBC, he has worked as an independent consultant, while also serving as Visiting Professor in Practice at the London School of Economics’ Grantham Research Institute and as a member of the Board of Advisors at the University of Oxford’s Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment.

David is also an accomplished author whose books combine first-hand reporting with insightful analysis. His publications include ‘Reporting Live from the End of the World, ‘An Iceberg as Big as Manhattan,’ ‘All Necessary Means: Inside the Gulf War’ and ‘The Response: A Story of Fire and Flood in Britain’s New World of Extreme Weather.‘ Throughout his career, he has become widely respected for translating complex scientific issues into engaging, accessible narratives for audiences around the world.

Today, David continues to advise organisations, contribute to environmental research and speak internationally on climate change, sustainability, science communication, geopolitics and global risk. His unique perspective, built on decades of reporting from the front lines of both conflict and climate change, enables him to explain the challenges shaping our future with authority, clarity and optimism. Whether addressing business leaders, policymakers or public audiences, David inspires informed discussion through evidence-based insights and captivating real-world stories.

Why Hire David Shukman?

David Shukman offers audiences an exceptional perspective gained from reporting on many of the defining global events of the past four decades. Combining journalistic rigour with engaging storytelling, he explains complex topics such as climate change, environmental resilience, international affairs and scientific innovation in a clear and accessible way. Drawing on exclusive experiences from the Arctic, the Amazon, conflict zones and major world summits, he equips organisations with practical insights into emerging global challenges, helping audiences better understand the forces shaping business, society and the future.

David Shukman’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define David Shukman’s remarkable career:

• 2022 – Appointed Visiting Professor in Practice at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics.
• 2022 – Joined the Board of Advisors at the University of Oxford’s Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment.
• 2021 – Became an Independent Consultant following an accomplished BBC career, advising organisations on climate, science and communications.
• 2021 – Published ‘The Response: A Story of Fire and Flood in Britain’s New World of Extreme Weather’.
• 2000s – Served as the BBC’s first Science Editor, leading coverage of science, climate change and environmental issues.
• 2000s – Led the BBC’s climate reporting for nearly twenty years, broadcasting from locations including the Arctic and the Amazon.
• 1990s – Served as BBC World Affairs Correspondent, reporting on major international political events and global crises.
• 1990s – Worked as BBC Defence Correspondent, covering conflicts and international security issues, including the Gulf War.
• 1980s – Held the role of BBC Northern Ireland Reporter after joining the corporation in 1983, covering key political and social developments.
• 1980 – Began his journalism career as a reporter with the Coventry Evening Telegraph.