Skip to main content

Subscribe to Smithsonian magazine and get a FREE tote.

Smithsonian Science

The Smithsonian's Earth Optimism Summit was a 3-day global live-streamed event that took place on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, April 22, 2020, through April 24.

Positivity Has a Voice in Science

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

Bill Weir's Road to Optimism

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

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

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

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

Smithsonian Botanist Finds Hope in Youth Leaders

Landscape ecologist Iara Lacher created a model to understand how land use decisions may influence nature’s ability to provide crucial services in the future. Photo credit: Ian McGregor

Using Science and Local Knowledge to Guide the Future of Virginia’s Landscapes

Many bird species of conservation concern rely on the really short grass that large grazers, such as bison, leave behind. (Andy Boyce)

Understanding Bisons’ Eating Habits Could Help Bird Conservation

Dr. Grant Connette trains participants on best practices in setting up wildlife cameras to ensure that high-quality data is collected.

Smithsonian scientists help put endangered Myanmar species on the map

The red siskin or cardenalito is inextricably linked with Venezuela’s identity, yet it is now rare in its natural habitat.

Coffee and Chocolate Could Help Preserve Endangered Birds in Venezuela

Previous Teen Earth Optimism events have engaged kids in the conversation around environmental challenges.

Food and Good Spirits at the Smithsonian 2019 Teen Optimism Event

Snail kites' migratory behavior may be driven primarily by precipitation, as the species feeds mainly on Apple snails, which in turn rely on persistent bodies of water.

The Next Frontier: Unraveling the Mysteries of Tropical Bird Migration

Steven Canty and Cristhian Perez of the Centro de Estudios Marinos of Honduras in the field. (Mayra Nuñez/Centro de Estudios Marinos)

Mangroves of Mesoamerica Will Start Getting Report Cards

Matt Ogburn, Charles Bangley, and SERC intern Michelle Edwards (L to R) surgically implant an acoustic transmitter into a juvenile Bull Shark. Credit: Jay Fleming/SERC

Marine Migrations, Key to Climate Change Predictions and Conservation Efforts

Kinkajou tagging in Panama Credit: Untamed Science Roland

What is the Conservation Commons?

Categories
Archive

Page 2 of 2