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Roger Harrabin is an award-winning British journalist best known for his extensive work in environmental, energy and climate change reporting.
Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has significantly shaped and enhanced the public’s understanding of climate science, energy policy, and environmental issues, primarily through his work with the BBC, where he was an Energy and Environment Analyst.
He became one of the most respected voices in the field, offering in-depth analysis of complex environmental topics and their implications on a global scale. Currently, he writes for the Guardian, FT, Independent and BusinessGreen.
Roger’s ability to articulate complex topics with clarity and a touch of humour makes him a sought-after speaker, conference chair and moderator. He is noted for his challenging and humorous style, as well as his depth of knowledge. He has delivered keynotes for organisations including the United Nations, the CBI, The Economist, and the European Commission.
Roger began his career on the Coventry Evening Telegraph. He developed a specialism reporting on the city’s ethnic minority population, who were previously largely ignored in the media. He won a prize at the 1980 British Press Awards for his original series tracing the roots of Coventry Asians back to India and Pakistan.
He joined Thames Television as a news producer while also freelancing for several years as a Saturday sports sub-editor for the News of the World and the Sunday Mirror. He also worked for BBC Radio London and it was while working here that he revealed how the Met Police was training its riot control officers using Romany Army tactics.
Roger had already been working for the BBC when, in 2004, they created the position of Environment Analyst allowing him to work across all BBC media platforms (television, radio and online) as a journalist and presenter.
His quest for impartiality led him to broadcast two three-part series on Radio 4 tackling the risks and uncertainties in climate science and technology. His reporting on new topics has often been trend-setting – he was, for instance, the first mainstream reporter to highlight the central role that energy would play in the environment.
As well as being a highly respected journalist, Roger is also an Honorary lifetime fellow of St Catharine’s Cambridge, an Associate Fellow of Green College Oxford and Wolfson College, Cambridge, and holds an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Cranfield University for his work on the environment.
Roger’s influence extends beyond journalism; he has helped guide the BBC’s approach to climate coverage, often emphasising the need for balanced, accurate reporting that avoids sensationalism while highlighting the urgency of the environmental crisis. His work has been widely recognized, and he remains a significant figure in climate and environmental journalism.
Throughout his career, Roger has explored the increasing impact of environmental issues on both domestic and international politics, as well as on business and society. His presentations are filled with captivating and often humorous stories, making them equally engaging whether delivered after dinner or during daytime sessions.
In addition, he is a seasoned conference chair and moderator, skilled in facilitating events on a wide variety of topics. Known for his sharp wit, engaging style, and deep expertise, he brings both challenge and humor to every discussion.
He has interviewed many influential figures including Margaret Thatcher, Tony Blair, Ban Ki Moon, Al Gore and Sir David Attenborough.
Roger has won multiple accolades for his work in broadcasting. These include the prestigious Media Natura award for his documentaries like Gas Muzzlers, which focused on green energy in the US He also won an award for his TV news coverage in 2007, sharing the Media Natura TV News Award for films broadcast on the BBC’s Ten O’Clock News. He has been recognised for tackling complex topics like climate adaptation and energy policy.
He is an Honorary lifetime fellow of St Catharine’s Cambridge; Associate Fellow, Green College Oxford and Wolfson College, Cambridge and holds an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Cranfield University for work on the environment
“We were honoured to have Roger Harrabin moderate a high-level event at the UN Climate Conference (COP28) in Dubai. Roger skilfully led the event drawing the best out of each panelist and finding connections between the points being made to prompt a natural flowing discussion between the panel. His expertise in the subject matter was evident and his reassuring, familiar voice added gravitas to the discussion and contributed to a very well received intervention at the COP.”
Thomas Lingard, Unilever
“The event went really well. Roger engaged the whole audience and there were a lot of questions at the end, which he answered thoroughly. He was definitely the right choice of guest speaker for this event.”
CMS Legal
“I just want to say a big thank you for all your help with our event. Roger has been a pleasure to work with and the delegates enjoyed his stories.”
Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting
“Roger Harrabin brought his years of experience and knowledge to the way he chaired and facilitated the event, gently probing presenters with relevant follow up questions that helped bring out a deeper insight and clarity. Roger was also agile to our needs through the event and brought ‘up to the moment’ topical content.”
Yorkshire Water
“Roger came to speak at the RISING Global Peace Forum about how the climate change emergency and other environmental issues have severe consequences for peace in many parts of the world. Roger was brilliant to work with, both beforehand and during the event, when he was a huge inspiration to our delegates.”
RISING Global Peace Forum
“Roger Harrabin provided lots of personality and kept the discussion moving well.”
Deloitte
“Roger Harrabin is our moderator of choice. He brings a depth of knowledge to our discussion panels and combines this with an instinctive grasp of what makes a session engaging.”
Global Water Intelligence