Dr Hannah Ritchie is a renowned data scientist, author and sustainability expert whose work is transforming the way people understand some of the world's biggest environmental challenges. As Deputy Editor and Lead Researcher at Our World in Data and a Senior Researcher in the Programme for Global Development at the University of Oxford, Hannah has become one of the most influential voices in climate communication. Known for translating complex data into accessible, evidence-based insights, she offers audiences a refreshing and optimistic perspective on issues such as climate change, biodiversity, public health and sustainable development. Her ability to challenge misconceptions with facts and practical solutions makes her a highly sought-after motivational speaker for conferences, corporate events and global summits.
Hannah's career began with a strong academic foundation in environmental science. While studying Environmental Geoscience at the University of Edinburgh, she worked as a Research Scientist with the UK Biochar Research Centre and the University of Strathclyde. She later completed a Master's degree in Carbon Management while contributing to climate policy research as a Behaviour Change Researcher for the Scotland 2020 Climate Group. Alongside consultancy and sustainability writing roles, she developed expertise in environmental communication and corporate sustainability. Following positions with the University of Edinburgh and the Institute for Environmental IT Hamburg, Hannah undertook a Science Fellowship with the Newton-Bhabha Virtual Centre on Nitrogen Efficiency while completing her PhD. Since joining Our World in Data, she has played a pivotal role in producing some of the world's most trusted research and visualisations on global development and environmental progress.
Combining scientific rigour with exceptional storytelling, Hannah is the author of the acclaimed books Not the End of the World and Clearing the Air. Her work has been featured by major international publications including the BBC, The Atlantic, The Guardian, The Washington Post, Vox, WIRED and New Scientist. She also shares regular analysis through her popular Substack newsletter, Sustainability by Numbers, and co-hosts the Solving for Climate podcast. In recognition of her contribution to public understanding of data and sustainability, Hannah is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society.
What sets Hannah apart as a motivational speaker is her ability to replace fear and pessimism with informed optimism. Through compelling data, engaging storytelling and practical examples, she demonstrates how meaningful progress is already being made across environmental and social challenges. Her TED talk, Are We the Last Generation – Or the First Sustainable One?, perfectly captures her message that positive change is possible when innovation, evidence and collective action come together. Whether speaking to business leaders, policymakers, academics or sustainability professionals, Hannah leaves audiences inspired, informed and empowered to take meaningful action towards a more sustainable future.
