Jess Melbourne-Thomas is Tasmania’s hopeful for Australian of the Year

Marine, Antarctic and climate scientist Jess Melbourne-Thomas says if she becomes the Australian of Year it could help step up the message of tackling climate change, particularly in the context of what Australia has seen this summer.

Portrait shots of Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas, Tasmanian Australian of the Year. Jess is a marine ecologist at CSIRO in Hobart and a Rhodes scholar. Her Australian of the Year nomination centres on her work in climate science and advocacy for female leadership in science. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

A NOMINEE for Australian of the Year has warned the country and other nations that they must take action on emissions in the next few of years if levels of climate warming are to be kept within a safe range.

Marine, Antarctic and climate scientist Jess Melbourne-Thomas says if she becomes the Australian of Year it could help step up the message of tackling climate change, particularly in the context of what Australia has seen this summer.

“We don’t have much time to make the changes that we need .. the next few years if we want to keep the level of warning in a relatively safe range,” she told AAP on Saturday, heading into “finalist’s luncheon” at the National Gallery in Canberra.

Dr Melbourne-Thomas is Tasmania’s Australian of the Year and had been recognised for her strong advocacy in promoting women in science and the importance of diversity in science.

Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas, Tasmania 2020 Australian of the Year. Picture: SUPPLIED

She is also a believer in “bottom up action” when tackling climate change. “Part of my message has been trying to talk a lot about actions that everyday Australian can take,” she said.

“You can’t do everything at once but it is so much better that we all try to do that than a few people doing things perfectly that is not going to achieve anything.

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Addressing nominees at a breakfast at The Lodge earlier in the day, Prime Minster Scott Morrison conceded it was a difficult time for the nation. “We draw strength from you, from your examples, from you courage, your compassion,’” he told nominees from all states and territories. “We draw strength from those amazing volunteers that are out there today, selflessly serving.”