Jonathan Watts
@jonathan-watts.bsky.social
Author of The Many Lives of James Lovelock, founder of Sumaúma.com and the Rainforest Journalism Fund. Guardian environment writer.
Pinned
The Many Lives of James Lovelock by Jonathan Watts – man of many myths | Biography books | The Guardian
A splendid, fearless biography of the ‘gullible genius’ who popularised Gaia theory
amp.theguardian.com
The Many Lives of James Lovelock – man of many myths
‘A splendid, fearless biography…Watts digs deeper to find the source of Lovelock’s contradictory, maverick nature. At its heart was pain and tragedy.’
Review by Philip Ball
amp.theguardian.com/books/articl...
‘A splendid, fearless biography…Watts digs deeper to find the source of Lovelock’s contradictory, maverick nature. At its heart was pain and tragedy.’
Review by Philip Ball
amp.theguardian.com/books/articl...
‘News editors told me not to be too downbeat, but the facts speak for themselves’
Last post by the inestimable, much admired and even more loved Paul Brown
The climate, he observes sadly, has changed much more than politics since the first UN COP in 1995.
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/no...
Last post by the inestimable, much admired and even more loved Paul Brown
The climate, he observes sadly, has changed much more than politics since the first UN COP in 1995.
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/no...
As I write my last column, the facts on climate crisis speak for themselves
Since 1995, when the first Cop was held, carbon levels have increased from 360.67 parts per million to 426.68 parts now
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:33 PM
‘News editors told me not to be too downbeat, but the facts speak for themselves’
Last post by the inestimable, much admired and even more loved Paul Brown
The climate, he observes sadly, has changed much more than politics since the first UN COP in 1995.
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/no...
Last post by the inestimable, much admired and even more loved Paul Brown
The climate, he observes sadly, has changed much more than politics since the first UN COP in 1995.
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/no...
Amid all the doom and gloom over negotiations at Cop30, one man was doing his damndest to dance away the blues. Rex Manjuria from Nigeria said his goal was to shift climate awareness through music and drama. “We need to use art to drive action,” he said.
November 21, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Amid all the doom and gloom over negotiations at Cop30, one man was doing his damndest to dance away the blues. Rex Manjuria from Nigeria said his goal was to shift climate awareness through music and drama. “We need to use art to drive action,” he said.
Cop ahoy! Sailing up the Amazon to the climate summit – podcast
Asking my Indigenous and scientist shipmates what they expect from the first climate conference in the South American rainforest.
#Sumauma
#SaudeeAlegria
www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2...
Asking my Indigenous and scientist shipmates what they expect from the first climate conference in the South American rainforest.
#Sumauma
#SaudeeAlegria
www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2...
Cop ahoy! Sailing up the Amazon to the climate summit – podcast
Jonathan Watts sets off on a three-day boat trip down the Amazon – with indigenous leaders, scientists, artists and more – to report on Cop30, the climate summit taking place this year in Brazil
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Cop ahoy! Sailing up the Amazon to the climate summit – podcast
Asking my Indigenous and scientist shipmates what they expect from the first climate conference in the South American rainforest.
#Sumauma
#SaudeeAlegria
www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2...
Asking my Indigenous and scientist shipmates what they expect from the first climate conference in the South American rainforest.
#Sumauma
#SaudeeAlegria
www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2...
Reposted by Jonathan Watts
Missing 1.5C climate target is a moral failure, UN chief tells #COP30 summit
- António Guterres urges opening session in Brazil to bring about a ‘fundamental paradigm shift’
#climatecrisis
Story by @jonathan-watts.bsky.social and @fionaharvey.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
- António Guterres urges opening session in Brazil to bring about a ‘fundamental paradigm shift’
#climatecrisis
Story by @jonathan-watts.bsky.social and @fionaharvey.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Missing 1.5C climate target is a moral failure, UN chief tells Cop30 summit
UN secretary general António Guterres urges opening session in Brazil to bring about a ‘fundamental paradigm shift’
www.theguardian.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Missing 1.5C climate target is a moral failure, UN chief tells #COP30 summit
- António Guterres urges opening session in Brazil to bring about a ‘fundamental paradigm shift’
#climatecrisis
Story by @jonathan-watts.bsky.social and @fionaharvey.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
- António Guterres urges opening session in Brazil to bring about a ‘fundamental paradigm shift’
#climatecrisis
Story by @jonathan-watts.bsky.social and @fionaharvey.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Jonathan Watts
How could the Tropical Forest Forever Fund proposed at #COP30 tackle climate change?
- Scheme aims to raise $125bn, invest it in bonds, then use the returns to reward tropical forest nations that keep forests standing
Story by @jonathan-watts.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
- Scheme aims to raise $125bn, invest it in bonds, then use the returns to reward tropical forest nations that keep forests standing
Story by @jonathan-watts.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
How could Tropical Forest Forever fund proposed at Cop30 tackle climate change?
Scheme aims to disrupt deforestation by raising $125bn, investing it in bonds, with returns used to reward tropical forest nations for good behaviour
www.theguardian.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:31 PM
How could the Tropical Forest Forever Fund proposed at #COP30 tackle climate change?
- Scheme aims to raise $125bn, invest it in bonds, then use the returns to reward tropical forest nations that keep forests standing
Story by @jonathan-watts.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
- Scheme aims to raise $125bn, invest it in bonds, then use the returns to reward tropical forest nations that keep forests standing
Story by @jonathan-watts.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘This was a slaughter, not an operation’: the favela reeling from Rio’s deadliest police raid
Residents of Vila Cruzeiro gather bodies after more than 130 were killed in pre-dawn assault
Monstrous slaughter. Local politicians must have approved this.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
Residents of Vila Cruzeiro gather bodies after more than 130 were killed in pre-dawn assault
Monstrous slaughter. Local politicians must have approved this.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
‘This was a slaughter, not an operation’: the favela reeling from Rio’s deadliest police raid
Residents of Vila Cruzeiro gather bodies after more than 130 were killed in pre-dawn assault
www.theguardian.com
October 30, 2025 at 12:37 AM
‘This was a slaughter, not an operation’: the favela reeling from Rio’s deadliest police raid
Residents of Vila Cruzeiro gather bodies after more than 130 were killed in pre-dawn assault
Monstrous slaughter. Local politicians must have approved this.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
Residents of Vila Cruzeiro gather bodies after more than 130 were killed in pre-dawn assault
Monstrous slaughter. Local politicians must have approved this.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
Reposted by Jonathan Watts
America's super-rich are running down the planet's safe climate spaces, says Oxfam - @jonathan-watts.bsky.social @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
America’s super-rich are running down the planet’s safe climate spaces, says Oxfam
Data shows wealthiest 0.1% of the US burn carbon at 4,000 times the rate of the world’s poorest 10%
www.theguardian.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:55 AM
America's super-rich are running down the planet's safe climate spaces, says Oxfam - @jonathan-watts.bsky.social @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Rising heat kills one person a minute worldwide, major report reveals
Biggest analysis of its kind finds millions are dying each year because of failure to tackle climate crisis
Story by @dpcarrington.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Biggest analysis of its kind finds millions are dying each year because of failure to tackle climate crisis
Story by @dpcarrington.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Rising heat kills one person a minute worldwide, major report reveals
Biggest analysis of its kind finds millions are dying each year because of failure to tackle climate crisis
www.theguardian.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Rising heat kills one person a minute worldwide, major report reveals
Biggest analysis of its kind finds millions are dying each year because of failure to tackle climate crisis
Story by @dpcarrington.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Biggest analysis of its kind finds millions are dying each year because of failure to tackle climate crisis
Story by @dpcarrington.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Jonathan Watts
"As an Indigenous man, I know very well the pain of the forest, because its body is an extension of ours." Why don't we all listen to those like Wajã Xipai who are still connected with this incredibly unique #Earth? Thank you @jonathan-watts.bsky.social #COP30
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
I am the first Indigenous journalist to exclusively interview António Guterres. How many others will listen?
A young journalist reflects on the UN leader’s responses, and hopes his messages – about human violence and an increasingly hostile planet – resonated before Cop30
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:24 PM
"As an Indigenous man, I know very well the pain of the forest, because its body is an extension of ours." Why don't we all listen to those like Wajã Xipai who are still connected with this incredibly unique #Earth? Thank you @jonathan-watts.bsky.social #COP30
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘Change course now’: humanity has missed 1.5C climate target, says UN head
Exclusive: ‘Devastating consequences’ now inevitable but emissions cuts still vital, says António Guterres before Cop30
Story by me and Wajã Xipai.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Exclusive: ‘Devastating consequences’ now inevitable but emissions cuts still vital, says António Guterres before Cop30
Story by me and Wajã Xipai.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘Change course now’: humanity has missed 1.5C climate target, says UN head
Exclusive: ‘Devastating consequences’ now inevitable but emissions cuts still vital, says António Guterres in sole interview before Cop30
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:34 AM
‘Change course now’: humanity has missed 1.5C climate target, says UN head
Exclusive: ‘Devastating consequences’ now inevitable but emissions cuts still vital, says António Guterres before Cop30
Story by me and Wajã Xipai.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Exclusive: ‘Devastating consequences’ now inevitable but emissions cuts still vital, says António Guterres before Cop30
Story by me and Wajã Xipai.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Indigenous voices ‘indispensable” to avoid climate catastrophe, UN secretary-general tells Sumaúma in world exclusive.
António Guterres says humanity must change course because 1.5C overshoot is now “inevitable”. And with that comes “devastating consequences.”
sumauma.com/en/secretari...
António Guterres says humanity must change course because 1.5C overshoot is now “inevitable”. And with that comes “devastating consequences.”
sumauma.com/en/secretari...
SUMAÚMA - Jornalismo do Centro do Mundo
SUMAÚMA: Jornalismo do centro do mundo. Periodismo del Centro del mundo. Journalism from the centre of the world.
sumauma.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:49 AM
Indigenous voices ‘indispensable” to avoid climate catastrophe, UN secretary-general tells Sumaúma in world exclusive.
António Guterres says humanity must change course because 1.5C overshoot is now “inevitable”. And with that comes “devastating consequences.”
sumauma.com/en/secretari...
António Guterres says humanity must change course because 1.5C overshoot is now “inevitable”. And with that comes “devastating consequences.”
sumauma.com/en/secretari...
Xi Jinping is preparing to go toe to toe with Donald Trump – and there will only be one winner | Simon Tisdall
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Xi Jinping is preparing to go toe to toe with Donald Trump – and there will only be one winner | Simon Tisdall
Beijing has realised that reckless America First policies are alienating old and new friends alike, creating a vacuum it can fill, says Guardian foreign affairs commentator Simon Tisdall
www.theguardian.com
October 19, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Xi Jinping is preparing to go toe to toe with Donald Trump – and there will only be one winner | Simon Tisdall
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
“Yet another threat to humanity”
World’s oceans losing their greenness, study finds. Researchers say decline in phytoplankton suggests weakened planetary capacity to absorb CO2.
Dire implications for climate, food chain & oxygen levels.
Story by me
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
World’s oceans losing their greenness, study finds. Researchers say decline in phytoplankton suggests weakened planetary capacity to absorb CO2.
Dire implications for climate, food chain & oxygen levels.
Story by me
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
World’s oceans losing their greenness through global heating, study finds
Researchers say decline in phytoplankton suggests weakened planetary capacity to absorb carbon dioxide
www.theguardian.com
October 17, 2025 at 8:37 PM
“Yet another threat to humanity”
World’s oceans losing their greenness, study finds. Researchers say decline in phytoplankton suggests weakened planetary capacity to absorb CO2.
Dire implications for climate, food chain & oxygen levels.
Story by me
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
World’s oceans losing their greenness, study finds. Researchers say decline in phytoplankton suggests weakened planetary capacity to absorb CO2.
Dire implications for climate, food chain & oxygen levels.
Story by me
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Indigenous and environmental leaders in Ecuador are facing state intimidation
Next month’s referendum on rewriting country’s eco-friendly constitution seen as president Daniel Noboa’s latest pro-extractivist move
Story by me.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
Next month’s referendum on rewriting country’s eco-friendly constitution seen as president Daniel Noboa’s latest pro-extractivist move
Story by me.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
Indigenous and environmental leaders in Ecuador say they are facing state intimidation
Critics say referendum on rewriting country’s eco-friendly constitution is president’s latest pro-extractivist move
www.theguardian.com
October 16, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Indigenous and environmental leaders in Ecuador are facing state intimidation
Next month’s referendum on rewriting country’s eco-friendly constitution seen as president Daniel Noboa’s latest pro-extractivist move
Story by me.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
Next month’s referendum on rewriting country’s eco-friendly constitution seen as president Daniel Noboa’s latest pro-extractivist move
Story by me.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
Reposted by Jonathan Watts
‘Dismal’ health of world’s forests is threat to humanity, report warns
- Financial institutions pouring money into land clearance and undermining efforts to stop destruction, says Climate Focus
Story by @jonathan-watts.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
- Financial institutions pouring money into land clearance and undermining efforts to stop destruction, says Climate Focus
Story by @jonathan-watts.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘Dismal’ health of world’s forests is threat to humanity, report warns
Financial institutions pouring money into land clearance and undermining efforts to stop destruction, says Climate Focus
www.theguardian.com
October 14, 2025 at 8:02 AM
‘Dismal’ health of world’s forests is threat to humanity, report warns
- Financial institutions pouring money into land clearance and undermining efforts to stop destruction, says Climate Focus
Story by @jonathan-watts.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
- Financial institutions pouring money into land clearance and undermining efforts to stop destruction, says Climate Focus
Story by @jonathan-watts.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
“The power of empathy”
Remembering Jane Goodall and assessing her legacy.
I am interviewed by Ian Sample for the Guardian’s Science Weekly podcast.
www.theguardian.com/science/audi...
Remembering Jane Goodall and assessing her legacy.
I am interviewed by Ian Sample for the Guardian’s Science Weekly podcast.
www.theguardian.com/science/audi...
Remembering primatologist Jane Goodall – podcast
The renowned primatologist Jane Goodall has died aged 91. She will be remembered for her observations that revolutionised our understanding of chimpanzees, as well as her tireless environmental advoca...
www.theguardian.com
October 2, 2025 at 5:35 PM
“The power of empathy”
Remembering Jane Goodall and assessing her legacy.
I am interviewed by Ian Sample for the Guardian’s Science Weekly podcast.
www.theguardian.com/science/audi...
Remembering Jane Goodall and assessing her legacy.
I am interviewed by Ian Sample for the Guardian’s Science Weekly podcast.
www.theguardian.com/science/audi...
Reposted by Jonathan Watts
The wonderful, brilliant Jane Goodall.
Global environment editor @jonathan-watts.bsky.social tells @iansample.bsky.social about Jane's revolutionary work, her tireless activism, and the powerful legacy she leaves us all.
www.theguardian.com/science/audi...
Global environment editor @jonathan-watts.bsky.social tells @iansample.bsky.social about Jane's revolutionary work, her tireless activism, and the powerful legacy she leaves us all.
www.theguardian.com/science/audi...
Remembering primatologist Jane Goodall – podcast
The renowned primatologist Jane Goodall has died aged 91. She will be remembered for her observations that revolutionised our understanding of chimpanzees, as well as her tireless environmental advoca...
www.theguardian.com
October 2, 2025 at 5:25 PM
The wonderful, brilliant Jane Goodall.
Global environment editor @jonathan-watts.bsky.social tells @iansample.bsky.social about Jane's revolutionary work, her tireless activism, and the powerful legacy she leaves us all.
www.theguardian.com/science/audi...
Global environment editor @jonathan-watts.bsky.social tells @iansample.bsky.social about Jane's revolutionary work, her tireless activism, and the powerful legacy she leaves us all.
www.theguardian.com/science/audi...
“You remind me of my favourite chimp, David Greybeard.”
I will never cherish a compliment more than this one from Jane Goodall.
RIP to an extraordinary human being and an inspiring campaigner for nature.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
I will never cherish a compliment more than this one from Jane Goodall.
RIP to an extraordinary human being and an inspiring campaigner for nature.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Jane Goodall: 'Change is happening. There are many ways to start moving in the right way'
The primatologist and ecological activist on why population isn’t the only cause of climate change, and why she’s encouraging optimism
www.theguardian.com
October 1, 2025 at 8:15 PM
“You remind me of my favourite chimp, David Greybeard.”
I will never cherish a compliment more than this one from Jane Goodall.
RIP to an extraordinary human being and an inspiring campaigner for nature.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
I will never cherish a compliment more than this one from Jane Goodall.
RIP to an extraordinary human being and an inspiring campaigner for nature.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Superb and shocking visualisation of the speed at which Europe is shifting from green to grey as fields, forests and cropland are turned into roads, industrial parks and housing developments.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Revealed: Europe losing 600 football pitches of nature and crop land a day
Investigation shows extent of green land lost across UK and mainland Europe to development from 2018 to 2023
www.theguardian.com
October 1, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Superb and shocking visualisation of the speed at which Europe is shifting from green to grey as fields, forests and cropland are turned into roads, industrial parks and housing developments.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Jonathan Watts
Farage’s Reform is part of a “global network of rightwing billionaires” who want to undermine net zero for their “vested interests”, says Ed Miliband - as he revives pledges for a Green New Deal & 400,000 new jobs in clean energy by 2030
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Labour must fight rightwing billionaires undermining net zero, says Ed Miliband
Exclusive: Energy secretary will hit out at the Tory and Reform ‘culture war’ and unveil target of 400,000 new jobs in clean energy
www.theguardian.com
September 30, 2025 at 7:37 AM
Farage’s Reform is part of a “global network of rightwing billionaires” who want to undermine net zero for their “vested interests”, says Ed Miliband - as he revives pledges for a Green New Deal & 400,000 new jobs in clean energy by 2030
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
World’s oceans fail key health check as acidity crosses critical threshold for marine life.
Scientists call for renewed global effort to curb fossil fuels as seven of nine planetary boundaries now transgressed
Story by me on latest planetary boundaries report
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Scientists call for renewed global effort to curb fossil fuels as seven of nine planetary boundaries now transgressed
Story by me on latest planetary boundaries report
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
World’s oceans fail key health check as acidity crosses critical threshold for marine life
Scientists call for renewed global effort to curb fossil fuels as seven of nine planetary boundaries now transgressed
www.theguardian.com
September 24, 2025 at 5:18 PM
World’s oceans fail key health check as acidity crosses critical threshold for marine life.
Scientists call for renewed global effort to curb fossil fuels as seven of nine planetary boundaries now transgressed
Story by me on latest planetary boundaries report
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Scientists call for renewed global effort to curb fossil fuels as seven of nine planetary boundaries now transgressed
Story by me on latest planetary boundaries report
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
The combustion risks are growing for human society as a result of the climate crisis.
So beware the incendiary rhetoric of Musk, Trump, Thiel and other super-rich fire starters.
My latest take on the link between extreme weather and extreme politics.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
So beware the incendiary rhetoric of Musk, Trump, Thiel and other super-rich fire starters.
My latest take on the link between extreme weather and extreme politics.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Extreme weather and extreme politics go hand in hand - billionaires like Musk are pushing both
Rabble-rousing of far-right demagogues is a reminder that the battle for a fair and habitable planet cannot be fought alone
www.theguardian.com
September 23, 2025 at 7:25 PM
The combustion risks are growing for human society as a result of the climate crisis.
So beware the incendiary rhetoric of Musk, Trump, Thiel and other super-rich fire starters.
My latest take on the link between extreme weather and extreme politics.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
So beware the incendiary rhetoric of Musk, Trump, Thiel and other super-rich fire starters.
My latest take on the link between extreme weather and extreme politics.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Jonathan Watts
History made for the ocean: #BBNJ Agreement enters into force, protecting high seas & deep seabed, safeguarding life under water.
“Our ocean is the foundation of our very existence. Today we took an important step forward to save our ocean, & to save our future” - ED @ingerandersen.bsky.social
“Our ocean is the foundation of our very existence. Today we took an important step forward to save our ocean, & to save our future” - ED @ingerandersen.bsky.social
September 20, 2025 at 6:01 AM
History made for the ocean: #BBNJ Agreement enters into force, protecting high seas & deep seabed, safeguarding life under water.
“Our ocean is the foundation of our very existence. Today we took an important step forward to save our ocean, & to save our future” - ED @ingerandersen.bsky.social
“Our ocean is the foundation of our very existence. Today we took an important step forward to save our ocean, & to save our future” - ED @ingerandersen.bsky.social
The Many Lives of James Lovelock has been longlisted today for a Historical Writers' Association award.
The judges commented: "This vital and timely work creates a multidimensional portrait of a complex man."
historiamag.com/2025-hwa-cro...
The judges commented: "This vital and timely work creates a multidimensional portrait of a complex man."
historiamag.com/2025-hwa-cro...
The 2025 HWA Crown Awards longlists – Historia Magazine
The HWA is delighted to announce the Crown Awards longlists for 2025, celebrating the best in historical writing, fiction and non-fiction, published during 2024–2025.
There are three awards categories...
historiamag.com
September 17, 2025 at 6:10 PM
The Many Lives of James Lovelock has been longlisted today for a Historical Writers' Association award.
The judges commented: "This vital and timely work creates a multidimensional portrait of a complex man."
historiamag.com/2025-hwa-cro...
The judges commented: "This vital and timely work creates a multidimensional portrait of a complex man."
historiamag.com/2025-hwa-cro...