David Shukman: The BBC Science Editor Who Became a Global Voice for Climate Storytelling
David Shukman is one of Britain’s most respected journalists, known for his decades-long career at the BBC and his powerful storytelling about science, the environment, and climate change. With over forty years of experience and assignments across more than one hundred countries, Shukman’s voice has become synonymous with factual, insightful, and compassionate reporting. From the icy landscapes of the Arctic to the dense rainforests of the Amazon, he has dedicated his career to uncovering the truth about humanity’s impact on the planet and highlighting pathways towards sustainability.
Early Life and Education of David Shukman
Born on 30 May 1958 in St Pancras, London, David Richard Shukman grew up in a family deeply rooted in academia. His father, Harold Shukman, was a Russian historian at the University of Oxford, while his mother, Ann King-Farlow, studied Russian theology. This intellectual environment helped shape his curiosity and commitment to truth.
David attended The Dragon School and later Eton College, where his love for geography and storytelling flourished. He continued his studies at the University of Durham (Hatfield College), graduating with a BA in Geography in 1980. His time at Durham instilled in him a lifelong curiosity about the natural world — a curiosity that would later become the foundation of his journalistic mission.
Journalism Career: The BBC Years
From Local Reporter to BBC Correspondent
David Shukman began his journalism career at the Coventry Evening Telegraph before joining BBC News in 1983. Over the next four decades, he rose through the ranks, reporting from conflict zones, political centres, and some of the world’s most remote natural environments. His journey at the BBC reflects both versatility and depth — covering defence, European affairs, world politics, and eventually science and the environment.
BBC Defence and World Affairs Correspondent
During his early years at the BBC, Shukman worked as Northern Ireland Reporter (1985–1987) during the Troubles, before serving as Defence Correspondent (1987–1995). His balanced and factual coverage earned him respect across the newsroom. Later, as European Correspondent (1995–1999) and World Affairs Correspondent (1999–2003), he gained firsthand exposure to global issues — from diplomacy and technology to social change.
BBC Science Editor: Leading the Climate Conversation
In 2012, David Shukman was appointed as the BBC’s first Science Editor, a role that positioned him at the forefront of global science communication. Over the next decade, he led the BBC’s coverage of climate change, environmental degradation, and sustainability innovation. He reported live from melting glaciers, burning rainforests, and renewable energy sites, bringing scientific stories to millions of viewers with clarity and urgency.
Shukman’s reports were not just about warning the world; they were about inspiring it. He showed audiences the consequences of inaction — but also the promise of human ingenuity through renewable technologies, conservation efforts, and climate diplomacy. His attendance at eleven UN Climate Conferences (COPs) made him one of the most experienced environmental correspondents in the world.
Independent Consultant and Storytelling Expert
After leaving the BBC in December 2021, David Shukman channelled his experience into a new phase of his career — as an Independent Consultant, Storytelling Expert, and Visiting Professor. Through his platform DavidShukman.com, he now collaborates with organisations, universities, and business leaders to help them communicate complex sustainability issues effectively.
He currently serves as:
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Independent Consultant (since 2021)
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Member of the Board of Advisors at the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, University of Oxford
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Visiting Professor in Practice at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, London School of Economics
In these roles, Shukman focuses on the intersection of storytelling, science, and sustainability, empowering leaders to translate data into compelling narratives that drive real-world action.
David Shukman’s Approach to Climate Storytelling
David Shukman’s hallmark is his human-centred approach to science journalism. He blends rigorous research with vivid storytelling, making scientific facts relatable and urgent. Whether explaining the melting of polar ice or the rise of renewable energy, he combines emotional depth with analytical clarity.
He often says that curiosity is his greatest tool — a lesson he shared in a recent speech at Durham University, where he urged graduates to “stay curious” and continue seeking truth amid misinformation. Shukman believes that storytelling can bridge the gap between scientific evidence and public understanding, transforming climate awareness into collective action.
Books and Publications
David Shukman has also authored several influential books that reflect his investigative spirit and deep concern for the planet:
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Reporting Live from the End of the World – documenting his experiences covering climate and environmental crises.
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An Iceberg as Big as Manhattan – exploring the physical and emotional impact of climate change.
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Tomorrow’s War and The Sorcerer’s Challenge – examining technology, warfare, and ethical dilemmas of modern innovation.
These works demonstrate his ability to merge science, storytelling, and moral insight, making complex subjects accessible to readers around the world.
Personal Life: Family and Values
Beyond journalism, David Shukman is a devoted husband and father. He is married to Jessica Pryce-Jones (Instagram handle @lil_olive2017), a leadership coach, author, and founder of the iOpener Institute for People and Performance. The couple married in 1988 and recently celebrated 35 years of marriage. Together they have three children, and live in the Oxford area, United Kingdom.
Their relationship reflects shared values — curiosity, compassion, and communication — which frequently surface in both their professional and personal lives. Shukman often credits his wife for her guidance and insight, acknowledging her influence in shaping his public speaking and writing.
Social Media and Public Presence
David Shukman remains an active and respected voice across multiple platforms:
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Twitter/X: @DavidShukman — with over 43,000 followers, where he discusses climate, nature, and media.
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Instagram: @david.shukman — sharing glimpses of his travels, speeches, and life with his wife, Jessica.
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Website: davidshukman.com — featuring his consultancy work and reflections on climate storytelling.
Through these platforms, he continues to inspire public dialogue around science, truth, and sustainability.
Legacy and Influence
David Shukman’s career stands as a testament to truth-seeking journalism and the power of clear communication. His coverage of global environmental issues has helped educate millions, bridging the gap between scientific research and everyday understanding. Today, as misinformation threatens to distort public discourse, Shukman’s commitment to evidence-based storytelling is more vital than ever.
He remains a leading figure in climate communication — a journalist who doesn’t just report the facts, but helps humanity understand what those facts mean. His legacy is defined not only by the stories he told at the BBC, but by the lasting awareness he has inspired about the fragility and resilience of our planet.
FAQs
1. How old is David Shukman?
David Shukman was born on 30 May 1958, which makes him 67 years old as of 2025.
2. Who is David Shukman’s wife?
He is married to Jessica Pryce-Jones (Instagram @lil_olive2017), an author and leadership coach best known for her book Happiness at Work and for founding the iOpener Institute for People and Performance. The couple married in 1988 and celebrated 35 years of marriage in 2023.
3. Does David Shukman have children?
Yes. David and Jessica Pryce-Jones have three children – Jack Shukman, Henry Shukman, and Saul Shukman. Their family moments often appear on David’s Instagram, from surfing trips in Hossegor to Jack’s wedding in the Netherlands.
4. When and why did David Shukman leave the BBC?
After nearly 39 years at BBC News, David Shukman left the organisation in December 2021. Having served as the BBC’s first Science Editor, he chose to step away to focus on independent storytelling, sustainability consulting, and public speaking. He now runs his own platform, DavidShukman.com, and works with leading universities and organisations to communicate climate and environmental issues.
