About

Need to Know: Science and Insight looks at the issues we all Need-to-Know at this time of pandemic, and the existential crisis of climate change and unravelling of nature’s life supports.

In each issue, I try to address at least one current Need-to-Know issue and explain why it’s important for all of us to know and what can be done about it. I’ll also find information you can use right away, along with a bit of universal wisdom to consider…. And sometimes there will be things that may bring a smile or two.

What subscribers are saying…

“Absolutely loved this...

“A brilliantly short, simple explanation of climate change which even flat-earthers would have trouble arguing with.

“This is one of the best articles I've read to date on assessing and understanding your risks with regards to COVID19

Try it now by getting your free subscription to Need to Know: Science and Insight. No ads; No spam. I’ll also send you occasional “Shareables” — very brief one-page PDFs on key topics to share with family and friends, i.e., “Climate Change explained in 165 words”.

I make my living writing. However, I want as many people as possible to know about these crucial environmental issues, why they are happening, and what can be done. So I’ve kept Need to Know free. I’m very grateful to those who choose to support this work with a paid subscription or donation. It is much appreciated.

About Stephen 

I’m writing Need to Know to share the insights and understanding I’ve gleaned from the smart and wise people from all over the world I’ve interviewed in my +25 years as an award-winning science and environmental journalist writing for National Geographic, The Guardian, Vice, and dozens of other publications.

I’ve been freelance all those years, meaning my sole source of income is the articles I write.

My work has appeared in dozens of publications, including National Geographic News, The Guardian, Vice, New Scientist, Al Jazeera, Maclean’s Magazine, Changing America, The Toronto Star, Wired News, and publications in Europe and Asia. I received the SEAL Award for Environmental Journalism two years running for my work documenting climate change impacts and solutions at National Geographic and Vice

I previously received the Prince Albert/United Nations Global Prize for reporting on international environmental issues as a result of my years as the senior science and environment correspondent at the Rome-based, Inter Press Service News Agency (IPS), the world’s largest not-for-profit news agency.

My book, “Your Water Footprint (…a brilliant and shocking exposé on precisely how much water we use…— Publishers Weekly) was awarded Best Science Book of the Year in Canada.

Interviewing an Indigenous leader in Mexico at a climate protest...

User's avatar

Subscribe to Need to Know by Stephen Leahy

Science & Insight to Help Navigate this Decade of Change & Consequence

People

Award-winning Environmental Journalist and Author