About Us
ARIA explores power, influence and corporate accountability in the climate and nature space. We use research, analysis, data insights and investigative approaches to reveal and challenge obstacles to a cleaner and more sustainable world.
We focus on issues that are central to a successful transition to a sustainable world, including fossil fuels, carbon trading, agriculture and livestock, and PR and legal frameworks.
ARIA stands for ‘analysis, research, insight, action’. Our team are experienced analysts, investigators and former journalists who combine issue area expertise with specialist data, analysis and research skills. Our team was established in 2021, and since then we have worked with partners in the media and civil society to explore how efforts to address sustainability challenges are resisted by corporate interests, and others. Our work is supported by the European Climate Foundation.
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Jim
FootnerDirector
Jim leads ARIA’s strategic direction and vision. He brings 20 years of experience working on climate as a strategist, researcher and campaigner.
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George
BodenInvestigations Manager
George manages ARIA’s team of investigators. He has 15 years’ experience running investigations and campaigns.
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Mat
HopeAnalysis Manager
Mat manages ARIA’s team of issue area analysts. He has worked as an editor and investigative journalist.
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Lala Hakuma Dadci
Investigator
Lala Hakuma is an experienced investigative researcher and campaigner, and has worked for a range of NGOs focused on EU climate, energy and trade policies.
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Leigh
ElstonSenior Investigator
Leigh is a journalist and investigator who has covered the energy and oil and gas sector for more than a decade.
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Sarah
EvansSenior Investigator
Sarah is an experienced journalist with a focus on developing country energy transitions and the livestock industry’s climate impact.
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Lluís Miquel Hurtado
Investigator
Lluís Miquel is an experienced conflict journalist who has reported for a range of mainstream media outlets while also conducting research for his own consultancy firm.
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Cecile
MarchandInvestigator
Cécile is an investigative researcher and campaigner, focused on increasing scrutiny of the fossil fuel industry.
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Craig
McKuneSenior Investigator
Craig specialises in using open-source investigative techniques to study knotty aspects of the energy transition.
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Alix
SmidmanInvestigator
Alix has worked as an investigative researcher, writer and analyst on a range of issues. Her current focus is exploring carbon markets and the carbon capture industry.
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Daniel Wesangula
Investigator
Daniel is an investigative journalist who has reported on resource-driven conflicts around the world for a range of global mainstream media outlets.
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Jean-Luc
BlakeySenior Analyst
Jean-Luc leads ARIA’s work on agriculture. His work focuses on the links between livestock and climate.
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Isaac Freeth
Analyst
Isaac focuses on the role of corporate narratives in shaping and tackling the climate crisis, bringing his direct experience in communications to the role.
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Charlotte
GrubbAnalyst
Charlotte has experience with investigative research and strategic communication and has worked on a variety of climate and environmental issues across multiple countries for over a decade.
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Dave
IhmelsSenior Analyst
Dave has spent his career working in marketing, PR, and communications. He focuses on developing research and insights across multiple sectors.
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Elisa
NovicSenior Analyst
Elisa’s work focuses on developing accountability strategies in the context of the climate transition, and has a background in public interest law.
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Valentin Vogl
Analyst
Valentin’s work focuses on the steel industry, and its path towards decarbonisation.
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Alessandro Turci
Analyst
Alessandro’s work is centered around ensuring the effectiveness of carbon markets in achieving climate action, building on his experience in ecosystem restoration projects in the Amazon.