Climate change does not affect everyone equally. In Australia and around the world, women are disproportionately impacted, facing greater risks to their mental and physical health, personal safety, financial security, and opportunities for the future.
In Women’s Agenda’s 2023 ‘Climate Load’ report, 82 per cent of women said they are very worried about climate change, 75 per cent have already been personally affected by extreme weather, and 64 per cent have experienced negative mental health effects as a result.
Despite this climate load, women are too often excluded from the leadership spaces where climate policy, investment, and adaptation decisions are made. Out of the 30 Climate Conferences of the Parties (Climate COPs) held to date, only five women have been elected as presidents.
While female delegate representation is improving, equality remains elusive. At COP30, the average gender balance of party delegations was 57 per cent men to 43 per cent women.
Across Australia, female trailblazers are working to change this imbalance by leading inclusive, community-driven climate solutions. They are influencing policy, advancing science and technology, strengthening environmental law, elevating First Nations knowledge, and mobilising communities.
Here’s a look at the powerful women who are stepping forward to reshape what climate action looks like in Australia.
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Natalie Kyriacou
Natalie Kyriacou OAM is an award-winning environmentalist, presenter, and charity director on a mission to spark curiosity about the natural world. She is the author of Nature’s Last Dance: Tales of Wonder in an Age of Extinction. Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia and the Forbes 30 Under 30 Honour in 2018, she is also the Founder and Chair of My Green World, a Board Director at Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, a former Board Director at CARE Australia, a W20 Delegate (official G20 engagement group), a UNESCO Green Citizens Pathfinder, sits on the XPRIZE Global Brain Trust for Biodiversity and Conservation and is a National Ambassador for the Australian Conservation Foundation.
Dr Anika Molesworth
Dr Anika Molesworth works at the intersection of science, art, and storytelling, drawing on her experience as a farming and environmental scientist whose work has taken her across Australia and around the world. Her award-winning first book, Our Sunburnt Country, received the Royal Societies of Australia and New Zealand Writer’s Award for Outstanding Writing on Social Change, with three illustrated children’s books forthcoming, alongside her performances of climate poetry. Recognised as Young Conservationist of the Year (2022), Young Australian of the Year (NSW Finalist, 2017), and Young Farmer of the Year (2015), Anika inspires care for our planet, its people, and our food systems through science, storytelling, and her Nature Writing Retreats in the outback.
Tiahni Adamson
Tiahni Adamson is National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager at Bush Heritage Australia and a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman descended from the Kaurareg Nations. Across her work in the conservation sector, she champions the empowerment of First Nations peoples to manage Country through 65,000+ years of knowledge so that culture, climate and community thrive together. Named 2024 Young South Australian of the Year and a Superstar of STEM by Science and Technology Australia, Tiahni has also been recognised as an InDaily 40 Under 40 (2023) and recipient of the Dr Kaye Price AM Award for STEM leadership, and recently hosted Season 3 of Big Sky Country.
Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas
Dr Jess Melbourne‑Thomas is a Principal Research Scientist in CSIRO’s Sustainable Marine Futures Program, where she works at the intersection of science, policy and society as a transdisciplinary researcher and knowledge broker. With a background in mathematical modelling and climate change science, she focuses on connecting world‑class research with real‑world decisions to support sustainability and climate adaptation. She co-founded the global Homeward Bound initiative, which launched the largest ever all‑female leadership expedition to Antarctica in 2016. Her contributions to science and diversity in STEM have been recognised internationally.
Grace Vegesana
Grace Vegesana (she/they) is the National Director of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, and a 26 year old woman-of-colour who has been building youth power to end fossil fuel expansion since she was 17. Her legacy includes co-founding the People of Colour Climate Network, pioneering climate justice organising on Dharug Country in Western Sydney with AYCC, and mobilising 3000 Australian businesses to join the Climate Strikes. At the heart of Grace’s work is a fierce belief in a better, brighter, and more climate-resilient world for young people to inherit and thrive in – and a reminder that hope is not just a feeling, but a call to action.
Nicola Rivers
Nicola Rivers is Co-CEO of Environmental Justice Australia (EJA), bringing over two decades’ experience as a lawyer, including ten years with the organisation. She previously led EJA’s clean air program, supporting communities across Australia to protect their right to clean air, and has driven major federal and state reforms to strengthen climate, water and nature laws. A former senior lawyer in federal and state governments, Nicola is a Fellow of the Centre for Sustainability Leadership and holds degrees in law, arts and environmental management.
Elizabeth McKinnon
Elizabeth (Lill) McKinnon is Co-CEO of Environmental Justice Australia, working alongside Nicola Rivers and bringing nearly two decades’ experience using the law as a tool for change in the environment and climate movements. An experienced environmental litigator, she previously worked in private practice and at Environment Defenders Office Victoria, and later served as General Counsel at the Australian Conservation Foundation, where she led Federal Court litigation including the Stop Adani case. A former Chairperson of Environment Victoria, Lill holds degrees in environmental science and law from Flinders University and lives and works on Wurundjeri Country.
Vikki Parlsey
Vikki Parsley is Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Manager (South East) at Bush Heritage Australia. A Yuin Walbunja Murramarang Wiradjuri woman from the NSW South Coast, she brings over 25 years’ experience across conservation and heritage roles, including with NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, supporting Aboriginal communities to lead culturally grounded land management. Passionate about caring for Country through cultural heritage, mapping, language and knowledge revitalisation, Vikki is a strong advocate for Indigenous women’s knowledge and notably supported the renewal of traditional cultural burning practices following the 2019–20 wildfires.
Liz Courtney
For more than 15 years, Liz Courtney has worked as a global science communicator, storyteller and international film director, producing over 55 documentaries focused on climate change, sustainability and systems-level solutions. Recognised as one of the 100 Women of Influence and the 2024 Global Winner for Women Changing the World through Media, she has filmed alongside leading scientists across the globe, documenting both the risks and the solutions within climate systems. Today, she is expanding into new storytelling formats such as her children’s book series, Adventure Bunny’s Big Little Adventures, to her memoir Changing Shoes: Changing World.
Rachel Lowry
Rachel Lowry is CEO of Bush Heritage Australia, joining in early 2024 to lead delivery of the organisation’s ambitious 2030 strategy. Across a distinguished career spanning Zoos Victoria, WWF-Australia and advisory work to Australia’s Threatened Species Commissioner, she has driven strategic, science-led outcomes for people and nature, including five years as Chief Conservation Officer at WWF-Australia. Recognised for her leadership in publications such as WME, The Age and Australian Geographic, Rachel brings deep expertise in conservation science, sustainability and organisational leadership, underpinned by qualifications in zoology, environmental science and education.
Dr Yolanda Waters
Dr. Yolanda Waters is a dive instructor turned marine social scientist and the founder and CEO of Divers for Climate, a national movement of divers and dive professionals across Australia mobilised for climate action. Inspired by her time working on the Great Barrier Reef, she now designs evidence-based climate communication and engagement strategies that empower ocean communities to drive systemic change. Through her research, advocacy and media work, Yolanda is building a climate movement as diverse and dynamic as the ocean itself so that we can continue diving for generations to come.
Sophia Hamblin Wang
Sophia Hamblin Wang is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of MCi Carbon, an Australian clean technology company transforming CO₂ emissions into building materials and industrial products for the circular economy. A World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and Harvard Executive Education graduate, she has showcased MCi’s technology on the global stage, including at COP26 where the company won the Net Zero Technology Centre Pitch Battle. Recognised for her leadership in climate action, Sophia serves on multiple climate and sustainability boards and has represented Australia at major international forums including the World Economic Forum and the UN Youth Climate Summit.
Amanda McKenzie
Amanda McKenzie is the Founder and CEO of the Climate Council, which she established in 2013 after the abolition of the Climate Commission by the government of Tony Abbott to ensure independent, evidence-based climate information remained accessible. A prominent Australian environmental leader, she has brought climate science, impacts, and solutions to the forefront of national debate, persistently advocating for stronger climate action in the face of denial and delay. Amanda has been recognised among the Top 25 Women Reshaping Australia by Sunday Life Magazine and honoured through the Westpac 100 Women of Influence, Telstra Business, Banksia, and Monash University Alumni Awards.
Tishiko King
Tishiko King is a proud Kulkalaig woman from Masig in the Kulkalgal Nation of Zenadth Kes and a leading Climate and Torres Strait Islander advocate. In January 2025, she founded Just Futures Collab, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander–led giving circle that shifts money and power to community-led climate justice solutions protecting oceans, strengthening resilience, and supporting communities to thrive. Previously Campaigns Director at Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network, Tish is committed to addressing the interconnected crises of environmental degradation and economic inequality through Indigenous leadership.
Lisa Blair
Lisa Blair is an award-winning adventurer, author, and keynote speaker renowned as the fastest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around Antarctica, completing the feat in 91 days and holding eight world records in extreme ocean sailing. Her expeditions champion ocean health and climate action, inspiring global audiences through her documentary Ice Maiden and best-selling book Facing Fear, where she shares powerful lessons on resilience, courage, and navigating adversity. Recognised with honours including the Australian Geographic Adventurer of the Year and Australian Sailing’s Offshore Sailor of the Year, Lisa empowers leaders worldwide to build mental agility, manage risk, and lead through change with confidence and purpose.
Fiona Simson
Fiona Simson is a farmer from the Liverpool Plains of NSW who has dedicated her career to advancing the sustainability and prosperity of rural and regional communities on the world stage. She serves as Vice President of the World Farmers’ Organisation, Chair and Commissioner of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, and Chair of the Future Food Systems CRC, alongside numerous other board and advisory roles. The first woman President of the National Farmers’ Federation, serving for seven years, she is widely respected for her expertise in policy, governance, and strategy across climate change, biodiversity, and the future of food.
Angela Ashley-Chiew
Angela Ashley-Chiew is a community organiser and campaigner with over 15 years of experience driving grassroots change and advocating for stronger climate action. She currently serves as Senior Community Organiser – Western Metro Melbourne at Environment Victoria, Community Outreach Public Speaker at Asian Australians for Climate Solutions, Local Group Leader of Parents for Climate, and Community Organiser at Climate Action Maribyrnong. Angela is committed to empowering communities through strategic leadership, collaboration, and mobilising collective action to achieve meaningful climate and social outcomes.
Dr Ruchira Talukdar
Dr. Ruchira Talukdar is a climate justice advocate and researcher with two decades of experience working across India and Australia, focusing on the intersection of environmental and climate justice between the Global North and South. She is Co-founder of Sapna South Asian Climate Solidarity, which bridges the North-South divide through movement education, advocacy, and community campaigns. Drawing on her PhD research comparing coal conflicts and protest movements in India and Australia, Ruchira develops workshops, trainings, and writings that advance critical solidarity and strengthen climate activism globally.
Varsha Yajman
Varsha Yajman is an Indian-Australian climate justice and mental health youth advocate dedicated to amplifying the voices of young South Asians disproportionately impacted by climate change and mental health challenges. She is a Corporate Campaigner at the Australian Conservation Foundation, Research Associate at the Young and Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University, and Lived Experience Committee Member at the Butterfly Foundation, and previously worked as a lawyer at Equity Generation Lawyers. A graduate of the University of Sydney, she has mobilised national climate action as an organiser with School Strike for Climate Australia and Schools Coordinator for the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, engaging hundreds of thousands of young people in climate justice advocacy.
Natalie Isaacs
Natalie Isaacs is the founder of 1 Million Women, a global movement empowering women and girls to take practical action on climate change by changing the way they live. Since launching the organisation in 2009, she has grown it into a community of more than one million members dedicated to cutting carbon pollution and driving change during this critical decade for climate action. Natalie is also the author of Every Woman’s Guide to Saving the Planet (2018) and Right Here, Right Now (2022), inspiring readers worldwide to help build a safer, more sustainable future for current and coming generations.