Sky News has appointed Hannah Thomas-Peter as the news organisation’s first dedicated Climate Change Correspondent.

The creation of the new role solely focused on climate change demonstrates Sky News’ commitment to the topic.

Thomas-Peter will leave her role as US Correspondent but will remain based in New York for this newly-created global position.

On her appointment, Thomas-Peter said: “I am delighted to take on this role at such a critical time. Climate change is going to touch all of our lives in myriad ways, and it may come to define the way our children and grandchildren live.

“I’m tremendously grateful to serve our viewers as they continue to seek high quality, hard hitting journalism on the issues that matter most to them. I can’t wait to get started.”

Head of Sky News, John Ryley said: “Sky News recognises the growing jeopardy and significance of climate change and this newly created role is another demonstration of how serious we view the subject.

“Hannah is perfectly suited to tackle the issues head on, she brings a wealth of experience from her current role in the US and has won several awards for her excellent journalism and reporting. Sky News will give its full weight and support to continue to set the agenda on the crisis of climate change.”

Sky News has a significant record in reporting environmental issues over the past 20 years with ‘Green Week’ 2007, Sky Ocean Rescue in 2017, and most recently produced a five-part series on the world’s climate crisis ‘A New Climate’. The special reports analysed the Government’s targets, China’s world-leading renewable energy sources, the impact of reducing overseas imports and explored how to live a low carbon life.

Hannah Thomas-Peter Biography

Hannah Thomas-Peter has most recently been Sky News’ US correspondent based in New York, covering a range of stories across America, including the Trump presidency, the #MeToo movement, the Harvey Weinstein scandal, the rise of the far right, and the opioid drugs crisis.

Hannah has also taken part in a month-long sailing expedition around Britain for a documentary examining the problem of ocean plastics.

In 2018, she won two Front Page Awards for her interview with a confessed rapist and coverage of the volcanic eruption in Hawaii.

Her short documentary on America's growing sex trafficking problem won a bronze medal at the New York Festivals International Television and Film Awards.

In 2009, she was named Royal Television Society young journalist of the year.

Twitter @hannahtpsky