From Pacific Islands to Global Platforms
Josephine Latu-Sanft’s childhood in Tonga was filled with frangipani trees, taro leaves, and Saturday trips to the plantation with her father. These island roots would later fuel her passion for ocean and climate advocacy, making her voice essential in global environmental conversations.
“A core part of my identity is being a Pacific Islander,” Josephine explains. Born in Tonga with Fiji as her second home, she understands firsthand how climate change threatens island nations’ lives, livelihoods, and cultures.
Her 18-year career journey—from journalism student to international communications specialist—took an unexpected turn when the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupted in January 2022. This once-in-a-millennium event, followed by COVID-19’s arrival in Tonga, became a personal turning point.
“It was difficult because I was in London, and it physically pained me to see the images,” she recalls. Her response was both therapeutic and transformative: amplifying Tongan voices to international audiences through social media.
This experience crystallized her mission to boost voices from the Global South, particularly islanders often absent from mainstream media. At the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, she now shapes global narratives around climate change, ocean action, and sustainable energy transition across 56 countries.
Her advice to fellow Pacific Islanders resonates globally: “Whether a person believes they can achieve something or believes they cannot, they are usually right.” Faith, she argues, is like a mustard seed—small but capable of moving mountains.
While acknowledging the pressure Pacific cultures place on humility, Josephine advocates for balanced confidence: “This should not justify self-doubt, self-limiting beliefs, or fear of putting yourself out there.”
Today, this TEDx speaker and ocean advocate continues bridging island wisdom with global platforms, ensuring Pacific voices shape the climate conversation.
Marine Conservationist and Climate Communications Specialist
Standing before packed auditoriums and pristine ocean shores, Josephine Latu-Sanft embodies the intersection of scientific expertise and passionate advocacy. As a TEDx speaker and dedicated ocean and climate advocate, she transforms complex marine science into compelling narratives that inspire action and hope for our planet’s blue future.
Josephine’s journey into marine conservation began with childhood memories of pristine Pacific waters and the gradual realization that these ecosystems faced unprecedented threats. Her work spans marine biology research, climate communications, and community engagement, with a particular focus on how ocean health directly impacts human communities worldwide.
Her TEDx presentations have captivated audiences globally, translating complex oceanographic data into accessible stories about marine ecosystems, climate change, and the urgent need for ocean conservation. “The ocean isn’t separate from climate change—it’s the primary regulator of Earth’s climate system,” she explains during her talks. “Understanding this connection is crucial for effective climate action.”
Josephine’s research focuses on marine ecosystem resilience and adaptation strategies. She studies how marine communities respond to changing ocean conditions, including rising temperatures, acidification, and plastic pollution. Her fieldwork takes her to some of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments, where she documents both environmental challenges and conservation successes.
One of her key advocacy areas involves highlighting the disproportionate impact of ocean degradation on Pacific Island communities and other coastal populations. Through her speaking engagements and written work, she connects ocean health to issues of environmental justice, food security, and cultural preservation. “Ocean conservation isn’t just about protecting marine life,” she emphasizes. “It’s about protecting the communities whose livelihoods and cultures depend on healthy marine ecosystems.”
Josephine’s communication strategy recognizes that effective environmental advocacy requires both scientific credibility and emotional connection. Her presentations blend rigorous data with personal stories and stunning visuals that help audiences understand their personal stake in ocean health. She believes that inspiring hope, rather than just highlighting problems, is essential for motivating lasting change.
Her work extends to developing educational programs for schools and communities, particularly focusing on youth engagement in marine conservation. She creates curricula that help young people understand their connection to ocean systems while empowering them to take meaningful action in their communities.
Through partnerships with conservation organizations and research institutions, Josephine bridges the gap between academic research and public understanding. Her ability to communicate complex marine science to diverse audiences has made her a sought-after speaker at international conferences and environmental forums.
Josephine also advocates for policy changes that protect marine environments, working with governments and international organizations to develop effective ocean conservation strategies. She emphasizes that protecting ocean health requires coordinated global action informed by the best available science.
“Our oceans are facing unprecedented challenges, but they also hold incredible capacity for regeneration. When we protect marine ecosystems, we’re not just saving the ocean—we’re protecting the foundation of life on Earth and securing a sustainable future for all communities.”