Currently serving as Biodiversity Reporter for The Guardian in London, Phoebe Weston has become a leading voice in documenting humanity's complex relationship with natural systems. Her work spans three core areas:
renewable energy tech, environmental legislation
"From the large-toothed Lake Turkana robber to Mekong giant catfish, we're losing nature's librarians before we've read their stories." [3]
This groundbreaking investigation revealed pharmaceutical contamination in 87% of water samples from protected areas, including antidepressants in brown trout habitats and chemotherapy drugs in chalk streams. Weston employed liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis across 45 sites, collaborating with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. The piece sparked parliamentary debates about wastewater treatment reforms and pharmaceutical take-back programs.
Analyzing a PNAS study of 700 soil samples, Weston illuminated how 90% of fungi and 85% of plants depend on soil ecosystems. Her reporting featured 3D microscopic photography of mycorrhizal networks and interviews with Indigenous knowledge keepers. This work shifted policy discussions about agricultural subsidies and carbon sequestration initiatives.
Through controlled decomposition experiments with University College London, Weston demonstrated that 60% of certified compostable plastics retained structural integrity after 180 days. The article's viral infographic comparing decomposition rates of various materials has been cited in EU packaging regulations.
Weston prioritizes stories demonstrating concrete ecological consequences within Britain's unique ecosystems. Her chemical pollution investigation [1] succeeded by linking antidepressant levels to behavioral changes in aquatic species. Effective pitches should include preliminary water quality data and local conservation group partnerships.
With 14 soil-related articles since 2023 [3], Weston seeks stories bridging terrestrial microbiology and human systems. The PNAS soil study coverage [3] succeeded by connecting mycorrhizal networks to agricultural yields. Pitches should include geolocated soil samples and climate projection models.
Weston's compostable plastics exposรฉ [3] set a new standard for environmental claims verification. Successful pitches must include third-party lab tests, material composition disclosures, and lifecycle analysis from raw materials to disposal.
Her 2024 peatland restoration piece [3] integrated Mฤori water management practices. Pitches should facilitate introductions to Indigenous land stewards and include traditional ecological knowledge documentation.
The "Sonic Environments" podcast series [8] demonstrated Weston's innovative use of bioacoustic recordings. Competitive pitches should propose immersive media formats with hydrophone recordings, soil vibration sensors, or spectral imaging data.
Awarded for her series on urban biodiversity adaptation, this honor recognizes Weston's ability to make complex ecological concepts accessible. The judging panel particularly praised her use of citizen science data from 12,000 UK gardeners.
This international accolade celebrated Weston's investigation into illegal wildlife trafficking routes through British ports. Her undercover work with customs officials led to three successful prosecutions of endangered species smugglers.
Weston has received consecutive nominations in the Environmental Journalism category, winning in 2023 for her analysis of rewilding impacts on flood prevention. The jury noted her "unparalleled ability to connect microbial ecology to landscape-scale conservation."
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Environment, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
