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Life on a Sustainable Planet

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

A pair of silhouetted people stargaze

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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Regenesis: Feeding the World Without Devouring the Planet | Earth Optimism Book of the Month

November's book of the month will help us explore how our food and environment are intertwined.

Five Spooky Species That Science Brought Back From the Brink

Need some last-minute Halloween costume inspo? These five species narrowly escaped the greatest horror story of our time: extinction.

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Wild Souls: Earth Optimism Book of the Month

October's book of the month is chosen by Taylor Parker, co-host of the Possibilists podcast created in partnership with Earth Optimism.

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Return of the Sea Otter: Earth Optimism Book of the Month

September's book of the month shares the story of an adorable species returning from the brink of extinction.

Illustrator Max Jake Palomino imagines a

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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Earth in Human Hands: Earth Optimism Book of the Month

August's book pick is out of the world while taking a look at how humans are treating this one.

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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

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The Rise of the American Conservation Movement: Power, Privilege, and Environmental Protection | Earth Optimism Book of the Month

What lessons can we learn from the history of conservation in the United States?

Pollard swimming near the Placencia Producers Cooperative farm where she sources her seaweed. Photo by Nick Perry, Coastline Studios

Sustaining a Green Business

Belizean eco-entrepreneur Jolie Pollard shares insights into breaking into the green beauty business in this second story of a two-part series.

Belize seaweed farming pioneer Lowell

Seaweed Offers Solutions for Humans, Habitats, and Hair in Belize

In this first part of a two-part series, discover how seaweed is bringing a Belizean community together to explore its potential, from sustaining their local environment and economy to helping them take care of their hair!

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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Fresh Banana Leaves: Earth Optimism Book of the Month

June's book of the month highlights the critical role of Indigenous science for our planet.

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