10 Essential Details About Carbon Brief’s Paid Summer Journalism Internship
Are you a student or recent graduate passionate about climate change and journalism? Carbon Brief, a leading independent media outlet, is offering a three-week paid summer internship that could be your launchpad into environmental journalism. This is more than just a temporary role—it's an immersive experience where you'll research, write, and publish articles, create social media content, and learn from award-winning journalists. Below, we break down everything you need to know about this rare opportunity, from what you’ll do to how to apply.
1. The Internship at a Glance
Carbon Brief’s summer journalism internship runs for three weeks, from 13 to 31 July, and is open to current students and recent graduates. The position is paid at the London Living Wage (£14.80 per hour), with an additional £100 travel bursary to help cover commuting costs. You’ll work 35 hours a week (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with a lunch hour) in a hybrid format—spending some days at the office near London Bridge station and some days working remotely. This structure gives you flexibility while still allowing you to collaborate closely with the team.
2. What Carbon Brief Is About
Carbon Brief is an award-winning publication known for its credible, in-depth coverage of climate science and policy. Their journalism is trusted by scientists, journalists, policymakers, and campaigners worldwide. The team produces articles, data visualisations, infographics, and videos that untangle complex issues like carbon offsets, climate migration, and China’s emissions. By joining this internship, you’ll become part of a respected outlet that influences global conversations on climate change.
3. Shadowing and Hands-On Experience
During the placement, you’ll shadow team members and assist with diverse tasks. This includes working alongside journalists covering climate science, policy, and international emissions, as well as specialists in visuals and social media. You’ll see firsthand how a small, independent newsroom operates—from editorial meetings to content production. This exposure helps you understand the synergies between reporting, design, and audience engagement.
4. Publish Your Own Article
One of the most exciting aspects is the chance to research, write, and publish an article for Carbon Brief. Under the guidance of staff, you’ll choose a topic—perhaps carbon offsets or climate migration—and produce a piece that meets the outlet’s high editorial standards. This is a portfolio-building opportunity that demonstrates your ability to turn complex subjects into accessible, engaging content for a broad audience.
5. Promote Your Article with Visuals and Social Media
Publishing is only half the battle; the internship also teaches you how to amplify your work. You’ll create visuals (such as charts or infographics) and develop social media posts to promote your article. This hands-on experience in audience development is invaluable in today’s digital journalism landscape, where writing and promotion go hand in hand.
6. Assist with Award-Winning Newsletters
Carbon Brief produces highly-regarded newsletters that keep thousands of subscribers informed about climate developments. As an intern, you’ll help research and write these newsletters, learning how to curate and summarise key stories. This task hones your ability to distill information quickly and accurately—a core skill for any journalist.
7. Coverage of Latest Climate Developments
You’ll contribute to Carbon Brief’s editorial process by helping find stories in scientific papers and policy documents. This means monitoring breaking research, government announcements, and international negotiations. You’ll participate in discussions about what deserves coverage, giving you insight into how editorial decisions are made at a leading climate publication.
8. Skills and Experience You’ll Gain
Beyond writing, you’ll learn how a small, global team functions day-to-day. You’ll see how articles are built step-by-step—from pitch to publication—and how to interrogate news, data, and reports for accuracy. Additionally, you’ll pick up techniques for using visuals effectively in journalism, such as creating charts or selecting impactful images. These skills are transferable to any media or communications role.
9. Required Skills and Qualifications
To be a strong candidate, you need an interest in climate change and some experience writing about technical topics for a general audience (this can include self-published blogs). You should have a dedication to journalistic integrity, excellent spoken and written English, and proficiency in word processing and spreadsheets (MS Word/Excel or Google Docs/Sheets). Bonus points if you’re comfortable with social media like Twitter/X or Instagram, but it’s not mandatory.
10. How to Apply – Key Details
Applications require a CV and a short covering letter (max 300 words) explaining why you’re a good fit and how you’d benefit from the internship. Submit these materials via the specified channel (details on Carbon Brief’s website). Remember to mention any relevant experience, your passion for climate issues, and what you hope to learn. The deadline is coming up, so don’t delay.
This internship is a rare chance to gain real-world journalism experience in a respected, mission-driven organisation. Whether you’re aiming for a career in environmental reporting, communications, or policy, the skills and network you’ll build will serve you well. If you’re ready to make your mark, prepare your application now – and check out the skills required section above to ensure you’re a strong fit.