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Special Report

Planet Positive

From stories about rebounding endangered species to others about innovations that reduce our carbon footprint, these Smithsonian magazine dispatches show what's working in wildlife and environmental conservation.


A sadhill crane flies over the San Luis Valley. AAron Ontiveroz / The Denver Post via Getty Images
A Togo slippery frog rests in grass.

SCIENCE

It Takes a Village to Save a Frog

Íris Dröfn Guðmundsdóttir (left) and her cousin Anton Ingi Eiríksson release pufflings from the Hamarinn sea cliff on the Icelandic island of Heimaey.

SCIENCE

An Icelandic Town Goes All Out to Save Baby Puffins

Saylor Flett, left, fans flames ignited by Jeff Greef. Air quality, weather and even bird migration affect when it’s safe to conduct a burn.

SCIENCE

Fighting Fire With Fire in California

More Science and Conservation Coverage

The Colorado River's Glen Canyon Dam, which creates Lake Powell.

SMART NEWS

States Propose Landmark Deal to Conserve the Colorado River

Will Sullivan

Before they made their big flight to the South Pacific, the snails were adorned with dots of red, UV-reflective paint to help conservationists find them in the dark.

SMART NEWS

Scientists Reintroduce 5,000 Snails to French Polynesian Islands

Sarah Kuta

The lioness, photographed by a trail camera in February, is likely around five years old.

SMART NEWS

First Lion Spotted in Chad National Park in 20 Years Is 'Beautiful' and 'Healthy'

Sarah Kuta

The submersible Alvin collects samples from rocky outcrop in the newly discovered coral reef.

SMART NEWS

See the Pristine Coral Reefs Found off the Galápagos Islands

Margaret Osborne

Electric cars from Tesla, photographed in 2018

SMART NEWS

EPA Proposes Tightest-Ever Emissions Limits for Cars

Will Sullivan

A person clears snow off their car in February 2023 after a snowstorm in Provo, Utah.

SMART NEWS

Utah Shatters Snowpack Records, but Its Drought Remains

Margaret Osborne

"AquaReinas," or costumed mermaid messengers with the Mermaid Society of Texas, participate in the 2022 Mermaid Capital of Texas Fest parade in San Marcos, Texas.

TRAVEL

The Texas City Where Mermaids Inspire River Conservation

Erin Donaghue

A monk seal in southern Greece. Females tended to give birth on beaches before human hostility drove them into hiding.

SCIENCE

The Mediterranean Monk Seal Is Making a Comeback

By Jennie Rothenberg Gritz
Photograph by Bruno D’Amicis

A sadhill crane flies over the San Luis Valley.

SCIENCE

Planet Positive

Smithsonian magazine

Saylor Flett, left, fans flames ignited by Jeff Greef. Air quality, weather and even bird migration affect when it’s safe to conduct a burn.

SCIENCE

Fighting Fire With Fire in California

Photographs and text by Andria Hautamaki

Sustainability
Earth Optimism

Meet Some Small Creatures That Have Big Impacts on Our Ecosystems


Earth Optimism

5 Creative Approaches to Science and Sustainability


Smithsonian Center for Folklife & Cultural Heritage

Cemeteries That Save the American Landscape


Smithsonian Education

A New Smithsonian Guide for How You Can Make Your Daily Routine More Sustainable


Earth Optimism

Why Environmental Justice is Key to Life on a Sustainable Planet


See All

Smithsonian Channel

Scientists Go on a Mission to Save Sea Turtles


Wild Inside the National Zoo: The Future of Maned Wolves


This Footage of Jaguars in Panama Could Save Their Lives


Could Lab-Bred Super Coral Save Our Reefs?


This Volunteer Program Helps Green Sea Turtles Stay Alive


How This School Prepares Orphan Orangutans for the Wild


This Young Woman Will Stop at Nothing to End Shark Finning

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