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Smithsonian Voices

Catch Bill's 90-minute special on Saturday April 25, 2020 on CNN.

Bill Weir's Road to Optimism

CNN's Climate Correspondent Bill Weir talks finding optimism in a contentious climate.

Cat Kutz | April 23, 2020

Scientists from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History (including Nick Pyenson, left) and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute collect a fossil dolphin from the Caribbean coast of Panama. The fossil is encased in a white plaster jacket, and recovered as the tide rushed in.
© Aaron O'Dea / Smithsonian Institution

Digging Into the Past to Find Optimism for the Future

We know that story of what will happen in the coming decades and centuries... what's different about where we're going has to do with the rate of these changes and the biodiversity at hand.

Cat Kutz | April 20, 2020

In the Peruvian Amazon, drones like this one are being used to monitor and prevent future destruction of the rainforest from artisanal gold mining. Photo by Guy Loftus for Conservation X Labs.

Innovating Modern Solutions to Conservation Problems

Smithsonian's Earth Optimism and Conseervation X Labs have collaborated since the first Earth Optimism Summit.

Cat Kutz | April 17, 2020

Good news is out there – if you look for it. For instance, just this month scientists announced that we are on our way to recovering oceans by 2050.

Here’s How to Find Optimism in This Moment of Fear and Uncertainty

Earth Optimism Summit will now stream online starting this Earth Day for everyone to tune in and be inspired

Cat Kutz | April 8, 2020

Dr. Ellen Stofan is John and Adrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. Photo by Jim Preston, Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum

Finding Optimism For The Earth Among The Stars

Q+A with Dr. Ellen Stofan

Cat Kutz | March 11, 2020

Purnima Devi Barman is a member of Women in Nature Network (WINN) and is the honorary director of WINN India. Photo by Carla Rhodes.

Building An All-Women Army for Conservation In India

Earth Optimism Speaker Interview with Purnima Devi Barman.

Cat Kutz | March 6, 2020

Gary Krupnick, Ph.D., Head of the Plant Conservation Unit at the Smithsonian in the field.

Smithsonian Botanist Finds Hope in Youth Leaders

Q+A with Earth Optimism speaker Gary Krupnick, Ph.D., Head of the Plant Conservation Unit at NMNH.

Cat Kutz | March 3, 2020