Tim De Chant is a former senior climate reporter for TechCrunch. He regularly teaches in MIT’s Graduate Program in Science Writing and has done much to pioneer the field of environmental journalism. His expertise includes emerging climate technologies, developing innovative business models for journalism, and more.
De Chant’s academic credentials are impressive. He received a doctorate in environmental science, policy, and management from the University of California, Berkeley. Further, he earned a BA in environmental studies, English and biology from St. Olaf College. He was awarded a Knight Science Journalism Fellowship at MIT in 2018. This distinction recognized his commitment to pushing the field of climate journalism forward. Throughout this fellowship, De Chant focused on understanding the landscape of emerging climate technologies. She examined new business models to advance journalistic excellence.
Since the late 1970s, the energy landscape has changed beyond recognition. That shift in mindset happened almost at the same time as the establishment of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). This new office would unite the various federal government entities that oversee and enforce the transportation supply chain under one umbrella. Meant to foster renewable energy development and energy efficiency, its primary purpose is to stabilize the American economy against price shocks that can disrupt commodity markets such as oil and gas.
In the past few years, international investment in renewable energy has skyrocketed. In the first half of 2025, worldwide renewables investments reached the astounding milestone of $386 billion. This amazing figure is a 10% jump from last year. This increase is a testament to the increasing awareness and understanding of the value of sustainable energy resources.
Nonetheless, the former President Trump has called out countries for heavily investing in renewable technologies including solar, wind and batteries. In remarks, he explained these countries as the real threat that they are, warning, “Your nation is going to collapse.” This sentiment points out the larger issues at play, including the fight over energy policy and the push to invest in clean technologies.
TechCrunch will dive deeper into these all-important topics at our TC Sessions: Mobility 2025 on October 27-29 in San Francisco. The event promises to bring together industry leaders, journalists, and innovators to discuss advancements in renewable energy and climate journalism.
The conversation about climate change is ongoing and ever changing. De Chant is at the forefront of this advocacy, fighting for appropriate reporting and a more complex understanding of these critical issues.
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