Laura Tenenbaum Speaker

Laura Tenenbaum Keynote Speaker

  • Former Senior Science Editor of NASA’s Global Climate Change website
  • Globally recognized innovator in science and climate communication
  • Five-time Webby Award Winner for Best Science Website

Laura Tenenbaum's Biography

Laura Faye Tenenbaum is an award-winning globally recognized innovator in science and climate communication. She is the former Senior Science Editor of NASA’s Global Climate Change website at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) where she reported on sea level rise, ice mass loss, climate modeling, anthropogenic climate forcing and regional climate impacts. She was chosen to travel to Greenland multiple times with NASA suborbital campaigns to report on new research into the rate of ice mass loss around Greenland’s coastline being studied for the first time.

Tenenbaum has been an adjunct professor in the Physical Science Department at Glendale Community College, where she taught for 13 years. She also wrote, produced and edited an oceanography video series to accompany Pearson Higher Education’s Essentials of Oceanography textbook.

She combines personality, emotionality and a sense of humor with scientific expertise and can translate complex technical scientific jargon into language the public can comprehend without compromising scientific accuracy or nuance. She works to broaden the scientific community by providing new, confrontational and often controversial tools and tips for science education to teachers, students and the public at large. Her goal is to foster a motivated and enthusiastic science literate society that will be ready to take on the huge environmental challenges we face. She was recently interviewed by The Guardian about her experience at NASA.

Tenenbaum lived in Southeast Asia and travelled extensively, which informed, shaped and influenced her perspectives and worldview. She has a MS degree in Marine Science and taught SCUBA in Thailand, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong.

Read Laura’s story of climate censorship at NASA during Trump in TIME.

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Laura Tenenbaum's Speaking Topics

  • From Glaciers to Missiles: My Two Expeditions to Greenland with NASA

Laura had the privilege of traveling to Greenland twice as part of a NASA suborbital campaign, where she helped measure the rapid ice loss of the glaciers along Greenland’s coastline.

Her journey also took her to Thule Air Force Base, a site with strategic military importance, where the U.S., Canada, Denmark and Greenland have tracked intercontinental ballistic missiles for over 50 years - underscoring Greenland’s pivotal role in the current geopolitical landscape as global powers increasingly vie for influence in the Arctic region amidst climate change and shifting security dynamics.

  • Get a firsthand up-close view into an important location that few people have had the opportunity to experience.
  • Learn about remote areas of Greenland’s coastline and the impact of climate change on ice mass loss.
  • Recognize the importance of relationship between scientific and military endeavors.
  • Acknowledge the importance of collaboration with political allies.
  • Help your team learn to resolve opposition and apparent controversy.

  • Surviving the Unexpected: Lessons from NASA's Survival Training for Navigating Today's Turmoil

During Laura's certification process to become part of a NASA crew, she had to take an FAA post-crash survival course, which taught her critical strategies for staying calm, focused, and adaptable in high-pressure situations.

The skills she learned in that course - whether it’s assessing the environment, thinking critically, or maintaining resilience - are just as vital in navigating the uncertainty and challenges of today’s unusual climate, and they can empower us all to thrive in times of turmoil.

  • Recognize key strategies for boosting morale during times of difficulty.
  • Help your team understand how to respond to the disorientation that happens during major transitions.
  • Learn how to observe yourself and your team members for signs and symptoms of stress.
  • Acknowledge the crucial nature of teamwork and mutual support in challenging times.
  • Understand the value of being prepared.

  • When Global Warming gets you down, come back stronger

What if climate change became an opportunity, not a challenge? Laura Tenenbaum’s keynotes redefine the narrative.

In a world grappling with the burden of global warming, she empowers audiences to view it as a challenge worth facing with courage. Giving up is not an option; instead, Tenenbaum’s transformative keynotes offer a refreshing perspective. She turns the lemons of climate change into lemonade, providing actionable insights and innovative solutions. Embrace the change, harness the strength, and turn adversity into an opportunity for growth and innovation.

  • See climate change as an opportunity, not just a challenge.
  • Respond to global warming with courage and resilience.
  • Embrace the climate crisis as a chance for innovation.
  • Transform adversity into a platform for positive change.
  • Motivate your team to approach climate challenges with optimism and strength.

  • The Past, Present & Future of Women in Science

Ever wondered about the untold stories of women in science? Laura Tenenbaum’s keynotes illuminate the overlooked narratives of women pioneers.

Explore the galaxy far, far away from the traditional lens. Laura’s insights not only bridge historical gaps but also inspire the future. Book her keynotes to bring visibility to women in science, fostering diversity and empowerment. Transform the pain point of unexplored narratives into an opportunity for your team to celebrate the significant contributions of women in the scientific realm.

Let Laura ignite a fresh perspective, empowering your audience to embrace and champion women’s roles in shaping the scientific landscape

  • Illuminate the untold stories of women in science past, present, and future.
  • Explore the often-overlooked narratives of women pioneers in a diverse galaxy.
  • Inspire a future where women play a significant role in scientific endeavors.
  • Foster diversity and empowerment by bringing visibility to women in science.
  • Embrace and champion the contributions of women, shaping a more inclusive scientific landscape.

  • Illuminate the untold stories of women in science past, present, and future. Explore the often-overlooked narratives of women pioneers in a diverse galaxy. Inspire a future where women play a significant role in scientific endeavors. Foster diversity and empowerment by bringing visibility to women in science. Embrace and champion the contributions of women, shaping a more inclusive scientific landscape.

What happens on Earth stays on Earth, but what if we could reshape its future sustainably? In a world craving a clean energy future, Laura Tenenbaum’s keynotes are the catalyst for change.

Explore innovative solutions and snap into a sustainable tomorrow. With no spare Earths, every drop of effort matters. Laura’s insights go beyond the ordinary, offering a roadmap to a sustainable future. Her keynotes will inspire your team, turning the challenge of sustainability into an opportunity for impactful change. Let’s collectively ensure that every drop adds up to a greener, brighter, and more sustainable planet for generations to come.

  • Embrace a clean energy future through innovative solutions.
  • Recognize the importance of sustainable practices on our planet.
  • Understand that Earth has no substitutes; sustainability is vital.
  • Acknowledge the collective impact of individual efforts.
  • Turn the challenge of sustainability into an opportunity for impactful change.

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Why Book Laura Tenenbaum as a speaker?

  • She brings frontline credibility from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, helping audiences understand what climate science really says and why it matters now.

  • She translates complex Earth systems data into clear, compelling narratives that cut through misinformation and build genuine understanding.

  • Drawing on award-winning digital storytelling experience, she shows organisations how to communicate science with clarity, trust and impact.

  • Her talks equip leaders, educators and communicators to engage sceptical audiences and drive informed action without sacrificing scientific integrity.

Videos of Laura Tenenbaum

Speaker Reel
Game On, Climate Change. Game On. | Laura Tenenbaum | TEDxUCSD
CCCB LAB / PIIC 2017

Articles, Media & Podcasts

Comments & Testimonials

Laura was very articulate in communicating her material and respectful to the other panelists who are two highly respected insurance executives. Laura is a captivating, knowledgeable and compelling speaker. After the session many folks rushed over to talk to her and wanted to take their photos with her! I would gladly work with Laura again.
The Society of Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters

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