Changing Australia: Mary-Anne Lea and understanding of polar ecology on a changing planet

In this episode of Radio National Breakfast, host Sally engages in a compelling conversation with Professor Mary-Anne Lea, a pioneering marine and polar ecologist from the University of Tasmania and co-founder of Homeward Bound. Lea reflects on her early fascination with nature and science, shaped by childhood experiences in South Africa and Australia, as well as influential teachers and iconic naturalists like Jane Goodall. Her journey into polar science began with a transformative PhD fieldwork experience studying crested penguins in the sub-Antarctic, where she was struck by the overwhelming sensory intensity and profound sense of awe that comes from being in such extreme environments. She discusses the accelerating impacts of climate change on polar ecosystems—highlighting the recent IUCN designation of emperor penguins and Antarctic fur seals as endangered—and emphasizes how these remote regions are critical to global climate regulation and biodiversity. Lea also speaks candidly about the challenges women have faced in male-dominated polar research, including harassment and lack of appropriate gear, and how Homeward Bound is creating a vital network to elevate women’s voices in science and leadership. She draws powerful parallels between animal social strategies and human resilience, underscoring the importance of cooperation, adaptability, and diverse leadership in ensuring planetary sustainability.