Learn more about one of our inspiring EO Ambassadors, Dr Anika Molesworth. A farmer, scientist and a storyteller all rolled into one, Anika is passionate about creating resilient rural communities and sustainable food systems. Her new book Our Sunburnt Country tackles the challenges and solutions of achieving it.
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It was the decade-long millennium drought on the family farm of Anika Molesworth near Broken Hill in Australia – which Anika has formed such a bond with and treats the land “as though it were a member of [her] family” – and brought with it heat waves and dust storms, that sparked her interest in the climate crisis. The future she imagined for herself began to seem impossible, prompting the question: “How are we going to feed a rapidly growing global population well, in a climate challenged world?”
As she delved more into the causes and solutions to the extreme weather events that were killing her land and livelihood, she was determined to speak out. In talking to armers and food producers all around the world, Anika realised that there was a way forward that could be both practical and sustainable – if only we can build up the courage to take it.
With a passion for rural communities and healthy ecosystems, Anika is committed to help create sustainable and vibrant farming landscapes in the present and for the future. A PhD in Agriculture and Environmental Management and a passion for international farming development, Anika is a recognised thought-leader of agro-ecological systems resilience and an engaging communicator.
She also has a new book, Our Sunburnt Country, out on August 31, about climate change the food system, exploring both its challenges and the solutions. The book brings together stories and ideas from a wide variety of experts and insights, ranging from farmers and nutritionists to climate scientists, chefs, and social entrepreneurs – all in the hopes to deliver a compelling vision for improving the food system.
Our Sunburnt Country shares the story of how humanity has become entangled in the climate crisis throughout the food system. As human activities such as deforestation and air pollution continue to rise, it disrupts ecosystems for both humans and animals, as well as damaging the greater food systems. There’s a salient need to recognise the connection people have with nature, to understand why we are crossing Earth’s boundaries, and how we as individuals can influence positive change and secure a better future for our world and all the precious life it holds.
The book seeks to encourage people to reconnect with nature and recognise the unique responsibilities of this generation to make positive change. We can improve the health of humanity and the planet by having the courage to step out of our comfort zone, share better narratives and illuminate an inspiring vision.
Check out the trailer to Anika’s book Our Sunburnt Country below:
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