Tim De Chant is a former, award-winning senior climate reporter for TechCrunch. He teaches in MIT’s Graduate Program in Science Writing, where he continues to lead us all in understanding our climate crisis, both through his writing and intellectual pursuits. His dual role gives him the rare opportunity to meld hard-nosed journalism with education, affecting both public discourse and the next generation of journalists.
De Chant’s academic background is substantial. He received a PhD in environmental science, policy, and management from the University of California, Berkeley. He also received a BA degree in environmental studies, English, and biology from St. Olaf College. This rich and multifaceted academic background uniquely positions him to address intricate climate issues with precision and expertise.
In 2018, De Chant was awarded a Knight Science Journalism Fellowship at MIT. A key focus of his work as a fellow, Christine explores innovative business models to support journalism enlightenment and climate technologies. This fellowship provided Patrick the opportunity to deepen and broaden his understanding of climate science. He also explored the financial impact that accompanies this fast-growing industry. Yet his work during this period has been pivotal in defining how the climate journalism field can respond to the tremendous challenges before us.
Recently, De Chant has been speaking out about how outside factors are derailing corporate sustainability initiatives. As noted by Diego Saez Gil, a prominent figure in the sustainability sector, “The current uncertain and volatile financial, economic, and geopolitical climate, added to the anti-ESG agenda in the U.S., is indeed having an effect on corporate sustainability budgets.” Companies face a difficult task with changing priorities and changing public opinion on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) pledges. We’re so glad this statement lifts up those challenges.
De Chant’s article contributions to TechCrunch are indicative of his efforts to inform readers with critical, in-depth analysis on these types of matters. And while we all get smarter in the process, his work will provoke the crucial conversations we need to have around these foundational climate topics. Through his articles and lectures, he fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in sustainability practices and climate technologies.
