UMass Amherst Alumni Association

Author and Broadcaster Peter Thomson

Peter Thomson '85 has helped set the standards for environmental journalism around the world since his graduation from the social thought and political economy program at UMass Amherst. He began his career on campus at WFCR and went on to an award-winning career in writing, reporting, producing and hosting international documentaries and news programs featured on National Public Radio and Public Radio International.  

Thomson’s big break came in 1991 when NPR launched a weekly environmental news program, Living on Earth. Although not an environmental specialist, Thomson had a strong interest in environmental issues and was hired as the program’s producer.  For the next ten years, he dedicated himself to researching and reporting on the complex issues of altered ecosystems and competing societal interests.

As the editor of the environmental desk at PRI’s The World, Thomson directs coverage of environmental news that reaches 837 PRI affiliates and 2.5 million listeners worldwide.

Heightening awareness of the far-reaching impact of environmental concerns is an important theme in Thomson’s work. His report on the effects of the Gulf oil spill on migratory birds highlights the consequences of environmental disasters far beyond the immediate region. And his critically acclaimed book, Sacred Sea: A Journey to Lake Baikal, recounts the history of the largest and oldest body of fresh water on earth and the modern-day threats to Siberia’s giant lake.

Thomson is serving his fourth term on the Board of Directors of the Society of Environmental Journalists. His writings have earned him numerous fellowships, honors and awards within the journalism and environmental communities.

The UMass Amherst Alumni Association is proud to have brought Peter Thomson back to campus on October 5 and 6, 2011, through our Eleanor Bateman Alumni Scholar in Residence program. View a video excerpt from his talk on reporting global warming.