Earth Optimism Summit

SMITHSONIAN'S FIRST GLOBAL EARTH OPTIMISM SUMMIT
April 21-23, 2017 - Washington, DC
EarthOptimism.si.edu
Register online

Making Positive Change for the Planet

Every day, we are bombarded with distressing stories about the state of the planet and the consequences of our actions that can make people feel hopeless. But there are also countless stories of conservation successes that are waiting to be told, and each of these can inspire hope and motivate action. This Earth Day weekend, the Smithsonian Institution will host 150+ speakers and 1,200 thought leaders, scientists, artists, environmentalists, and civic and business leaders from around the world at the first Earth Optimism Summit. Summit speakers will share stories of what’s working in conservation—everything from protecting species and spaces, to reducing pollution, and inspiring others to take action. The event is open to anyone who wants to be immersed in, and inspired by, conservation success—what is working and why, and how to scale it up. Join the Smithsonian to explore how people around the world are making positive change for the planet. 

“We are bombarded with distressing news about the state of the environment, which causes people to feel hopeless,” says Steve Monfort, John and Adreinne Mars Director of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and co-chair of the Earth Optimism Summit.  “We know there are serious challenges, but we also know there are people and communities achieving conservation wins, and their stories can inspire hope and mobilize others to take action on major global conservation problems.”