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Life on a Sustainable Planet

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The Climate Crunch - Why Every Fall Feels Like a Race to Save the Planet

Every autumn, climate conferences ignite efforts in the fight against climate change. How do these gatherings inspire reflection and drive action?

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Six Animals the Smithsonian Has Helped Save From Extinction

For more than a century, the Institution has placed a scientific focus on studying and conserving threatened species

Starting a Summer of Sustainability

Enjoy five summery stories of conservation and sustainability successes from across the Smithsonian.

Even tiny organisms can have a large effect.

Meet Some Small Creatures That Have Big Impacts on Our Ecosystems

Protecting the little guys can lead to huge benefits for our planet.

5 Creative Approaches to Science and Sustainability

Earth Month (aka April) is ending, but we're staying inspired with these science and sustainability success stories from across the Smithsonian

How to Celebrate Earth Day Every Day

The greenest day of the year is almost here, but our planet could still use some help long after the sun sets on Earth Day

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Stars, Seas and Other Scientific Successes

We recap five of our favorite optimistic stories from March, featuring everything from a historic agreement to protect our oceans to a small island working together to save confused puffins

A view of an island with a wave revealing a coral reef underwater. Photo courtesy of Ishan on Unsplash.

Science from Sea to Sky

February was full of stories exploring Smithsonian research from the deepest to highest points on our planet.

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Bunnies, Bears and Other Stories to Beat the January Blues

Five recent scientific success stories to cheer you up on a dreary day ⛅️

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Five Things That Made Us Optimistic in 2022

Before welcoming 2023, we're looking back at just a few #EarthOptimism highlights from 2022!

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Exploring the Social Side of Conservation

A case study demonstrates how incorporating social science into conservation actions can produce more effective, equitable, and lasting change.

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How Conservation Promotes the Synergies of Sustainability

Smithsonian Working Land and Seascapes’ new study unveils conservation’s ability to advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals

People wander a livestock market near the Masai Mara, chatting and examining the sheep and goats. Photo courtesy of Cindy Obath

Bringing the Masai Mara to the National Mall

Kenya's Masai Mara ecosystem is an ancient landscape grappling with very modern challenges. Conservationist Cindy Obath discusses plans to better represent the daily reality of local communities during the Earth Optimism × Folklife Festival.

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Connecting Students Across Oceans for a Shared, Sustainable Future

Students from the U.S., France, and French overseas regions are working together with the support of the Smithsonian and the U.S. Embassy in France to focus on fostering a sustainable future for all.

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How Long Have Sea Cows Thrived in the Arabian Gulf? We Literally Stumbled on a Clue

An overcast stroll on a rocky, oil-stained shoreline is probably not your idea of a day at the beach. It didn’t bother us. We were wandering up and down Qatar’s coast to find the bones of recently dead marine mammals.

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Bandicoots, Jaguars, and Half-Earth in This Week's Earth Optimism

These stories celebrate success, uncover a spark of hope, share a new idea, or might just make you feel good about Planet Earth.

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The Long Ride to COP26

Meet the teen who chose to take the long and most eco-friendly road to the 26th UN Climate Conference.

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Youth Activists, David Attenborough, and What's Next at COP26 in This Week's Earth Optimism: Climate Edition

These stories celebrate success, uncover a spark of hope, share a new idea, or might just make you feel good about Planet Earth – this week with a focus on COP26.

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A Tweeting Tree and Climate Refugia in This Week's Earth Optimism

These stories celebrate success, uncover a spark of hope, share a new idea, or might just make you feel good about Planet Earth.

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This Texas Teen Is Changing the Climate Change Community

Chanté Davis is a youth organizer with Sunrise Movement, the founder of a multifaceted and intersectional environmental campaign, as well as an OH-WAKE youth editor.

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