Tickell is the author of Kyoto2 (2008) in which he sets out a novel international framework for the control of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere which promises to be effective, efficient and equitable—in contrast to the existing Kyoto Protocol and its failing flexibility mechanisms. Tickell’s extensive environmental knowledge and understanding was acquired as a journalist writing on environmental issues over a career going back some 20 years. He has written for all the UK's broadsheet newspaper titles and numerous magazines including New Scientist, the Ecologist and BBC Wildlife. He also spent a period as dedicated environment correspondent for the Independent.