 As Environment Editor of the "Observer", Browne broke the exclusive that 1999 was the hottest year of the second millennium.In 2000 Browne reported for the "Observer" from the North Coast of Alaska on the attempts by oil companies to develop the National Arctic Wildlife Refuge, and the impact that had on the Gwich'in Tribe.Browne was in New York on 11 September 2001, and covered the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers for the "Guardian" and the "Observer".