Paul Brown, a pioneering environment journalist who worked for The Guardian for more than 30 years, has died aged 78. He was known for his early and sustained coverage of climate change, pollution and the natural world, helping to establish environmental reporting as a mainstream beat in British journalism.
Career at The Guardian
Brown joined The Guardian in the 1970s and became its first environment correspondent, a role he held for many years. He reported on major stories including the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 and the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. He also wrote extensively about the science of climate change, often before it received widespread public attention.
His work took him around the world, from the Amazon rainforest to the Arctic, and he was known for his ability to explain complex environmental issues in accessible terms. He retired from The Guardian in 2009 but continued to write and campaign on environmental issues.
Legacy and impact
Brown was respected by colleagues and readers for his dedication and his willingness to challenge powerful interests. His obituary notes that he was 'a tireless advocate for the planet' and that his reporting helped shape public understanding of environmental issues.
He is survived by his wife, three children and grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for later this year.
