Dr Anika Molesworth

Dr Anika Molesworth's Biography

Farmer, Scientist, Storyteller, Future Shaper

Dr Anika Molesworth is smashing the status-quo and inspiring change for a better future.

As a young, female farmer tackling the world’s biggest challenges, Anika is inspiring thousands through engaging and empowering conversations. Her infectious optimism is shifting mindsets and behaviours, leaving audiences motivated and empowered to act.

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 thought-leader of agro-ecological systems resilience, and has a PhD in international agricultural development.

Anika's dedication to raising awareness of climate change, and most importantly, what action can be taken to reduce emissions and adapt to changing conditions, has gained her widespread notability. Anika’s 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 the author of the book, Our Sunburnt Country, which won the Royal Societies of Australia and New Zealand Writer’s Award for Outstanding Writing on Social Change.

Anika is passionate about inclusivity and community empowerment. Anika founded Climate Wise Agriculture in 2014 as a knowledge sharing platform for climate change in global food systems. She also helped established Farmers for Climate Action, a national network of nearly 8,000 Australian farmers championing climate change solutions.

Anika wholeheartedly believes that we can create an exciting, sustainable and regenerative future, by courageously facing our big challenges and collaboratively working together.

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.

Speaking Topics Include

Cultivating Climate Courage

We are living in a time when we need to grow courage to overcome the challenges we face. This inspiring visionary talk leaves the audience feeling empowered and motivated.

Key Takeaways:

- We can all find courage from within.

- Our visions should be bold and courageous.

- Together a beautiful and bright future is possible.

 

It’s not game-over, it’s game on: The frontline of climate change impacts and solutions

The enormity and complexity of the climate challenge seems daunting - however, with the right skills and know-how the solutions are at hand. This eye-opening and inspiring presentation leaves the audience educated, engaged and empowered.

Key Takeaways:
- Understand the latest climate science.
- Be engaged by personal stories of those on the frontlines of climate impacts.
- Feel empowered to help create a better future.

Feeding the future: Innovation in the food and farming system

With a rapidly growing global population, we need to transform the food system to one that is good for both people and the planet. Changes can be made from the paddock to the plate, and by doing so we can create a more just, equitable and sustainable food system.

Key Takeaways:
- Know the risks in the modern food system.
- Identify the cracks and how they can be fixed.
- Dare to imagine the food system of the future and how you can help make it.

Empowering people: Rural communities stepping up to global challenges

In the words of Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Individuals, businesses, community groups through to large organisations need to shift mindsets and behaviours in the face of global challenges. With confidence, inspiration and collaboration people can change the world for the better.

Key Takeaways:
- Together we are louder, together we go further.
- Building a movement and sustaining progress.
- Individual empowerment and collaboration for good causes.

Advocating for a better world: Intergenerational equity and climate change

Holding the megaphone isn’t easy. How does one remain resilient in the face of criticism and self-doubt? Learning how to be visible and ensuring personal longevity is essential to make positive change. With nurturing and collaborative mindsets, individuals can step up to be leaders and make a large-scale impact.

Key Takeaways:
- You are the leader you’ve been waiting for.
- Know your values and how to use them.
- Speaking up for a brighter future.

Cultivating resilience: looking after self in order to look after what matters

In our fast-paced lives, we often feel under-resourced and overwhelmed. In order to tackle big challenges like climate change, food security and community stability, we need to build mindsets of resilience and work environments that help us thrive.

Key Takeaways:
- Be kind to self and others.
- Adaptability is key.
- Resilient leaders create resilience around them