Jon Barnett

Professor Jon Barnett is Professor in the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science, at the University of Melbourne. He earned his PhD from the Australian National University in 1999 and holds a Masters degree. A political geographer, his research examines social impacts and responses to environmental change, with a focus on climate change adaptation, vulnerability, human security, food security, migration, water security, and peace. His fieldwork is conducted in Pacific Island Countries, Australia, China, and Timor-Leste. Barnett's publications appear in leading journals including Nature, Progress in Human Geography, and Global Environmental Change, where he serves as co-editor. Key works include the book 'The Meaning of Environmental Security: Ecological Politics and Policy in the New Security Era' (2001, Zed Books), 'Global Environmental Change I: Climate Resilient Peace?' (Progress in Human Geography, 2019), 'Global Environmental Change III: Political Economies of Adaptation to Climate Change' (Progress in Human Geography), 'Best Practice in Climate Change Adaptation' (2026), and 'The Enablers of Adaptation: A Systematic Review' (npj Climate Action, 2024). His research has garnered over 27,500 citations, reflecting substantial influence in human geography, political geography, and environmental security.

Barnett joined the University of Melbourne in 2002 in the Department of Resource Management and Geography, continuing as full Professor in the current school. From 2009 to 2013, he led the Australian Government’s National Adaptation Research Network for the Social, Economic and Institutional Dimensions of Climate Change. He is an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow and previously held an ARC Future Fellowship. Elected Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia in 2016, he is also a Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Assessment Report. His expertise informs policy advice to governments in Australia and internationally on climate adaptation strategies. Recent contributions include 'Following the Money: Climate Adaptation Finance in the Marshall Islands' (2024) and 'Hope as an Enabler of Climate Change Adaptation' (2025).

Professional Email: jbarn@unimelb.edu.au