“How are we going to manage the planet and keep it sustainable if we know so little about it?” This question, posed by E.O. Wilson in his book, “Letters to a Young Scientist,” was born out of his long held conviction that if we can foster a greater understanding of biology, we can cultivate a desire to take care of the planet. Now Paula J. Ehrlich of the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation is helping make the vision of accessible biology education a reality for students around the world through her organization’s free digital textbook and storytelling projects.
How can environmental advocates build better coalitions for climate action? As executive director of the US Climate Action Network (USCAN), Keya Chatterjee brings together diverse constituencies to build climate solutions. She shared her perspective on the future of the climate movement with Rachel’s Network members on Earth Day.
While queen conch has been a central part of Bahamian culture, economy, and cuisine for centuries; growing demand from the US has jeopardized local populations of the species. Rachel’s Network Member Martha Davis fell in love with queen conch while doing field work for her master’s degree. Now, through her organization Community Conch, she’s gathering and publishing vital information about this unique animal. With Martha’s help, and the commitment of her partners, volunteers, and local fisherman, the Bahamas can build back its dwindling conch population.
The ecological and economic crises facing us are not an accident, nor are they inevitable, says Rachel’s Network Advisor L. Hunter Lovins. Her organization, Natural Capitalism Solutions, is convening an international team of business people, thought leaders, scholars, investors and activists to craft a new narrative and strategy for an economy that works for 100 percent of humanity.
Tourism is growing at a rapid pace, up to 10 percent in some countries. That’s why it’s so important to develop tourism in a way that supports local economies and conserves the natural areas that make these countries travel destinations in the first place. Megan Epler Wood, director of the International Sustainable Tourism Initiative at Harvard’s Center for Heath and the Global Environment, joined Rachel’s Network members for a discussion on how to manage tourism for the the protection of natural areas and communities worldwide.
