Tanya Ha is an award-winning Australian environmental campaigner, author, broadcaster, science journalist and sustainability researcher. She is also a media commentator on science and environmental issues, a behaviour change researcher and was a delegate to the Australia 2020 Summit.

Tanya is currently Director of Engagement at the communication agency Science in Public, a member of the executive committee and board of Science & Technology Australia, and and Associate of the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute at the University of Melbourne.

Tanya is an environmental and science communication specialist. Her 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. In addition to her media work, Tanya also develops sustainable living and behaviour change programs. She was an ambassador for National Science Week in 2009.

Tanya now consults on science and environmental engagement and communication for several organisations, companies and research institutions. She is also a regular contributor to ABC Environment and has contributed to the sustainable cities and business section of The Guardian.

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.

Warm, engaging and more hip than hippie, Tanya is a rare breed of environmentalist – one with a sense of humour. She 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.

Tanya has also had roles in public policy, governance and stakeholder relations, including a term as a director of Keep Australia Beautiful (National Association) and over six years on the board of the state government agency Sustainability Victoria.

 Photo by Monty Coles