Tony Juniper

Chairman of Natural England, Former Executive Director of Friends of the Earth, Special Advisor to the Prince of Wales & Author of ‘Spix’s Macaw‘

Tony Juniper’s Biography:

Tony Juniper is a renowned sustainability advocate, environmentalist and keynote speaker, celebrated for his decades-long commitment to climate action and conservation. Best known as the former Executive Director of Friends of the Earth for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Tony has become one of Britain’s most respected voices on environmental policy and sustainable development. His experience advising governments, businesses and global organisations allows him to deliver insightful speeches on climate change, biodiversity and corporate responsibility. Combining political expertise with practical conservation work, Tony inspires audiences to understand both the urgency of environmental action and the opportunities presented by a greener future.

After graduating from the University of Bristol with a degree in Psychology and Zoology in 1983, Tony continued his academic development with a Master’s degree in Conservation from University College London. In 1990, he joined Friends of the Earth, where he became instrumental in shaping major environmental campaigns. Among his most influential achievements was leading the campaign for the Climate Change Bill in 2006. He also collaborated with Radiohead’s Thom Yorke on The Big Ask campaign, which gained the support of more than 130,000 people nationwide. Alongside his campaigning work, Tony served as a Senior Associate at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and later became a special advisor to the Prince of Wales, contributing to the Prince’s Rainforests Project.

Tony’s contributions to environmentalism have earned widespread recognition. Appointed CBE in 2017 for services to conservation and sustainability, he has also received the Rothschild Medal from The Wildlife Trusts and the Chromy Award from the Conscience Institute. In addition, he was made an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Sciences. As an author, Tony has written extensively on nature and sustainability, including the novel ‘Spix’s Macaw: The Race to Save the World’s Rarest Bird‘.

In 2019, Tony was appointed Chairman of Natural England by Environmental Secretary Michael Gove, further cementing his influence within British environmental policy. As an after-dinner speaker, Tony captivates audiences with stories from his conservation work, sharing personal experiences from campaigns, political negotiations and global environmental initiatives. His talks combine scientific understanding with accessible storytelling, making complex sustainability issues engaging and relevant for organisations seeking guidance on environmental leadership and long-term change.

Why Hire Tony Juniper?

Tony Juniper is hired as a speaker for his unparalleled expertise in sustainability, conservation and climate policy. Drawing on decades of frontline environmental campaigning, senior advisory roles and leadership within major organisations, Tony delivers thought-provoking and practical insights into the future of sustainability. His TED Talk, ‘How Money Really Does Grow on Trees’, demonstrated his ability to communicate complex environmental challenges in an engaging and accessible way. Audiences value Tony’s balanced perspective, inspiring storytelling and actionable guidance on climate action, biodiversity, sustainable business practices and environmental leadership in a rapidly changing world.

Tony Juniper’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Tony Juniper’s remarkable career:

• 2019 – Appointed Chairman of Natural England by Environmental Secretary Michael Gove, overseeing England’s leading environmental advisory body.
• 2017 – Awarded a CBE for services to conservation and sustainability in recognition of his environmental leadership.
• 2010s – Served as a special advisor to the Prince of Wales, contributing to the Prince’s Rainforests Project and global conservation initiatives.
• 2010s – Worked as a Senior Associate at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, advising organisations on sustainable development strategies.
• 2009 – Received the Rothschild Medal from The Wildlife Trusts for outstanding contributions to conservation.
• 2000s – Collaborated with Radiohead’s Thom Yorke on The Big Ask campaign, helping secure support from over 130,000 people nationwide.
• 2006 – Led the campaign promoting the Climate Change Bill through Friends of the Earth, influencing landmark UK climate legislation.
• 2000s – Served as Vice-Chair of Friends of the Earth International, helping shape international environmental campaigns and policy discussions.
• 1990 – Joined Friends of the Earth and began building a distinguished career in environmental advocacy and sustainability campaigning.
• 1983 – Graduated from the University of Bristol with a degree in Psychology and Zoology before pursuing a Master’s degree in Conservation at University College London.