NSW farmer Anika Molesworth insists now is the time to address the impacts of climate change.
The 2015 Young Farmer of the Year - who founded Climate Wise Agriculture which helps farmers become more sustainable and respond to climate change - believes Australia is at a turning point and needs to act now.
"If we don't step up and make the necessary changes we are at risk of losing so much," she told AAP.
"There hasn't been any more important time ever to address what is happening with our climate and environment."
Ms Molesworth, from far western NSW, was awarded the 2018 Young Sustainability Champion at the NSW Green Globe Awards for her work connecting farmers with researchers to help build agricultural resilience.
Nominations for the 2019 globe awards - celebrating their 20-year anniversary - open on Tuesday.
Ms Molesworth credits them for helping her shine a light on the challenges facing rural Australia and for giving her a bigger platform to rally for climate action policies.
NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean says the annual awards recognise people across the state who are leading the way in sustainability and environmental action.
"It's amazing to see what's been achieved by business, not-for-profit groups and inspiring individuals who have started ground-breaking projects with the help of these awards," Mr Kean said in a statement.
Australian Associated Press
