2020 Tasmanian Australian of the Year, Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas delivered the keynote address at the Hobart-leg of the 2020 Tasmanian tourism conference in November.

One of Australia's leading marine scientists, Jess is a leading researcher shaping Australia's response to climate change and emission reduction.

Jess speaks about Tasmania's climate future; the risks, realities and opportunities. This includes her views on the opportunity for Tasmania to emerge as one of the world's first carbon positive visitor destinations.

Jess talks about the touch points for operators to contribute to carbon reduction and positioning their business and Tasmania as a destination as a global leader in responsible carbon tourism. 

About Jess:

International research scientist, mother, and former Rhodes scholar, Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas grew up exploring Tasmania’s spectacular coastline and wilderness and has gone on to work in the marine environment from the tropics to the poles. With a background in mathematical modelling and Antarctic climate change science, Jess is now a Knowledge Broker for CSIRO, helping to bridge the gap between complex scientific research and decision-making for sustainability. 

A passionate advocate for diversity and gender equality in science, Jess co-founded the Homeward Bound project, which took the largest ever all female expedition on a leadership journey to Antarctica in 2016. 

Jess was one of Australia’s first 30 Superstars of STEM and was named Tasmania's Young Tall Poppy of the Year in 2015 for her excellence in research, science communication and policy engagement. She was also one of 12 female scientists globally to have her portrait featured as a constellation on the ceiling of New York’s Grand Central Station as part of GE’s Balance the Equation campaign.