How to save the planet: the virtual event offering environmental solutions

Given the crises that nature faces, it is easy to lose hope. But as regular Positive News readers will know, around the world there are many examples of people who have won the fight to protect the planet.

Celebrating those unreported conservation success stories is Optimism of the Earth, a free event open to all that starts today. The virtual meeting of minds will feature talks from pioneering conservationists and famous speakers such as Sir David Attenborough, Liz Bonnin and Chris Packham (lead image, above).

On the importance of celebrating solutions, Sir David Attenborough said: “We all know there are big problems, but we don’t hear enough about some of the successes. Successes that can give us the courage, the information and the inspiration we need to continue ”.

Earth’s optimism comes at a crucial time for the planet. 2021 will see an unprecedented series of meetings of world leaders setting the conservation agenda for the next decade. Celebrating conservation achievements, as well as highlighting what people can do for the planet, is critical to setting the stage for these discussions, organizers say.

“We are shedding light on stories that teach us valuable lessons that can be expanded upon,” said Dr. Rosie Trevelyan, director of the Tropical Biology Association and one of the organizers of the event. “Earth Optimism offers an invitation to focus on the positive and the potential of nature to recover, while reminding us of our responsibility to do what we can, wherever we are, rather than resign ourselves to apathy for the fate of nature.”

During the 10-day event, dozens of passionate speakers will present compelling accounts of conservation success, from the restoration of Wicken Fen in England to a group of women saving the golden eagle in Mexico. The event will also host a Film Festival with documentaries screened from around the world.

Also on the bill is award-winning author Helen MacDonald; conservationist Carl Jones, who has saved more species from extinction than almost anyone else alive; and Tom Rivett-Carnac, one of the key drivers of the Paris agreement.

Earth Optimism is run by the Cambridge Conservation Initiative and runs in conjunction with the Cambridge Festival. A ‘solutions fair’ is held alongside the event, where attendees can discover how they can reduce their carbon footprints, support biodiversity and live more sustainably.

The entire event is free to the public, but reservations are required for the talks. More information can be found. here.

Lead Image: Anna Deacon