Former Head of Research & Development at the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice, Co-Founder of B Corp-Certified Social Enterprise Change by Degrees & Named STEM Woman of the Year at the Women in STEM Summit & Awards
Tara Shine’s Biography:
Tara Shine is an internationally recognised climate change expert, environmental scientist, sustainability leader and communicator who has spent more than two decades helping governments, organisations and communities address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Best known for translating complex climate and sustainability issues into practical, accessible solutions, Tara has worked at the highest levels of international policy while also inspiring individuals and businesses to take meaningful action. Through her work as a scientist, author, entrepreneur and broadcaster, she has become a respected voice on climate justice, sustainable development and environmental leadership, making her a highly sought-after keynote speaker for organisations looking to inspire action and drive positive change.
Tara completed a PhD in Geography at Ulster University, where her doctoral research focused on the ephemeral wetlands of Mauritania. Following her academic studies, she built an influential international career in climate policy and sustainable development. She began her long-standing work as a UN Climate Change Negotiator, participating in global COP summits and contributing to international climate discussions. In 2011, she became Head of Research and Development at the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice, where she served as a key policy adviser until 2018. During this period, she helped shape climate justice initiatives and global sustainability strategies. In 2018, Tara co-founded Change by Degrees, an award-winning B Corp-certified social enterprise that helps organisations develop sustainability skills and embed environmental responsibility into their operations. The same year, she launched Plastic Free Kinsale, a community initiative designed to reduce reliance on single-use plastics.
Tara’s expertise has been recognised internationally through numerous prestigious appointments and public engagements. She was selected as a guest lecturer for the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, sharing environmental solutions with audiences around the world. The United Nations appointed her as Co-Facilitator of the Structured Expert Dialogue under the UNFCCC, helping assess progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement. Her profile as a trusted communicator was further strengthened when she hosted and presented investigative climate programmes for the BBC One series ‘What They Really Mean For You’, examining subjects including heat pumps and electric cars. In recognition of her achievements, she was named STEM Woman of the Year at the Women in STEM Summit & Awards.
Why Hire Tara Shine?
Beyond her policy and media work, Tara is also an accomplished author, publishing the practical environmental guide ‘How to Save Your Planet One Object at a Time’. She has served on influential boards, including completing a five year tenure as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the International Institute for Environment and Development. Combining scientific expertise, international leadership experience, engaging storytelling and practical solutions, Tara equips audiences with the knowledge and confidence to address sustainability challenges. Her ability to connect global issues with everyday action ensures that audiences leave informed, inspired and motivated, making her an outstanding choice as a keynote speaker.
Tara Shine’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Tara Shine’s remarkable career:
- 2025 – Concluded her impactful five-year tenure as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)
- 2024 – Named STEM Woman of the Year at the annual Women in STEM Summit & Awards
- 2023 – Hosted and presented key investigative climate episodes for the BBC One series ‘What They Really Mean For You’, covering heat pumps and electric cars
- 2020 – Selected as a prestigious guest lecturer for the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, presenting globally on environmental solutions
- 2020 – Appointed by the UN as the Co-Facilitator of the Structured Expert Dialogue under the UNFCCC to assess the Paris Agreement goals
- 2020 – Published her acclaimed practical guide to everyday environmental action, titled ‘How to Save Your Planet One Object at a Time’
- 2018 – Co-founded the award-winning, B Corp-certified social enterprise Change by Degrees to upskill businesses in sustainability
- 2018 – Launched the local community initiative Plastic Free Kinsale to tackle single-use plastics in Ireland
- 2011 – Appointed Head of Research and Development at the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice
- 2003 – Began her long-term tenure as an international UN Climate Change Negotiator, participating in global COP summits
- 2002 – Completed her PhD in Geography at Ulster University, focusing her doctoral field research on the ephemeral wetlands of Mauritania
Videos
Tara Shine’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“She was fantastic, the talk went very well, there were lots of questions and she’s such a lovely lady!” – PGIM
Speaking Topics
Tara Shine’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Social Impact
- Corporate Sustainability Strategy
- Sustainable Supply Chains
- Purpose Led Business
- Sustainable Sourcing
- Sustainable Development
How Much Does Tara Shine Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Tara Shine?
Tara Shine’s speaking fees typically reflect her exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.