Tanya Ha is an award-winning Australian science and environmental advocate, speaker and MC, author, broadcaster, science journalist and sustainability researcher. She is also a regular media commentator, has a background in environmental behaviour change and was a delegate to the Australia 2020 Summit.

Tanya is currently Director of Engagement at the specialist communication agency Science in Public, a board member of Westernport Water, an advisory board member of Marine Energy Research Australia, and a member of Science Gallery Melbourne’s Leonardo Group.

She is also a past Vice President of Science & Technology Australia, a past Associate of the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute at the University of Melbourne, and has served on the boards of Diversity Council Australia, Sustainability Victoria, and Keep Australia Beautiful (National Association).

Tanya consults on science and environmental engagement and communication for several organisations, companies and research institutions.

Working with Science in Public, she has helped media train scientists, developed communication and social media strategies for research organisations and medical charities, and provided publicity support for National Science Week and major science prizes.

Tanya is also a popular keynote speaker and event host/MC, and has hosted major events including the National Plastics Summit at Parliament House in Canberra, the World Engineers Convention in Melbourne, and several World Science Festival Brisbane panel events.

Tanya’s media and writing work has included reporting for ABC TV’s respected science show Catalyst, answering viewers’ eco questions as the environment presenter for Can We Help?, writing for several magazines and conducting media interviews on environmental issues. Tanya is also a best-selling author. Her books include the best-selling eco-guide book Greeniology and the acclaimed Green Stuff for Kids. In 2010 she won the United Nations Association of Australia Media Award for Environmental Reporting.

Warm, engaging and “more hip than hippie”, Tanya makes complex issues easy to understand and offers practical, accessible advice that people can incorporate into their lifestyle. Her approach is fun and positive, believing that people respond better when they’re made to feel empowered rather than guilty. Her work is underpinned by behaviour change theory and environmental psychology.

Tanya spent many years working for the environment group Planet Ark and is an ambassador for several environmental and science engagement initiatives.

 Photo by Monty Coles