Anika Molesworth
It was the decade-long Millennium drought on Anika's family's farm that spurred her interest in climate change, and led her to ask "How are we going to feed a rapidly growing global population well, in a climate challenged world?" With a passion for rural communities and healthy ecosystems, she is committed to help create sustainable and vibrant farming landscapes now and for the future. Anika is a recognised thought-leader of agro-ecological systems resilience, she has a PhD in international agricultural development.
Anika's dedication to raising awareness of climate change impacts on farms, and most importantly, what action can be taken to reduce emissions and adapt to changing conditions has gained her widespread notability. Her career has taken her around the world to every continent (including Antarctica!), meeting with farmers, global leaders and royalty. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and educator, who brings heartfelt warmth, authenticity and optimism to complex global challenges. She is also the author of the book, Our Sunburnt Country, which was the the Winner of the Royal Societies of Australia and New Zealand Writer’s Award for Outstanding Writing on Social Change. .
Anika founded Climate Wise Agriculture in 2014 as a knowledge sharing platform for climate change as it relates to food systems around the world. She also helped established Farmers for Climate Action, which is a national network of over 7,000 Australian farmers tackling climate change.
After being named the 2015 Young Farmer of the Year, Anika went on to be awarded the 2017 Young Australian of the Year NSW Finalist, and 2017 NSW Young Achiever Award for Environment and Sustainability. In 2018 she was awarded the Green Globe Awards Young Sustainability Champion, the NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Award for Agricultural Innovation, and the 350.org Heroes of a Low-Carbon Economy Youth Champion. In 2019 she was recognised as a Future Shaper by InStyle and Audi, and a Women of Influence by the Australian Financial Review. In 2020, she was awarded the Emily Hensley Award for self-discipline, integrity, compassion and contribution to the wider community. In 2022, she was recognised in the Top 100 Green Power Players, and was named Young Conservationist of the Year by Australian Geographic.
