Half-Earth Day 2020

Half-Earth Day® brings together people from around the world and across disciplines to share their unique perspectives and thought leadership on how we can work together to achieve the goal of Half-Earth and ensure the health of our planet for future generations.

Inspired by renowned biologist and naturalist E.O. Wilson, Half-Earth is a call to conserve half the Earth’s land and sea in order to provide sufficient habitat to safeguard the bulk of biodiversity.

The event featured renowned biologist and naturalist E.O. Wilson, award-winning actress and environmental advocate Glenn Close, legendary recording artist Paul Simon, and many other special guests, including Jon Jarvis, Hansjörg Wyss, Reggie Love, Kris Tompkins, and members of the Half-Earth Project team and community.

Watch: Opening Remarks by Paula J. Ehrlich

Watch: How to Save the Natural World

Caring for the environment and human health calls for the best of our science and ingenuity, along with a strong sense of compassion and moral compass. With science at its core, the Half-Earth Project is providing the foundation for a revolutionary movement culture of action, and leading significant scientific innovation, regarding the most effective path forward for the protection of endangered species and endangered ecosystems. Half-Earth Day will open with comments from E.O. Wilson, regarding the importance of research and education as cornerstones for a new way of understanding the beautiful intricacy of our planet and how we can best steward its enduring stability.

Featuring:

• Edward O. Wilson, Honorary Curator in Entomology and University Research Professor Emeritus at Harvard University, Chairman, E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation Board of Advisors, Chairman, Half-Earth Council
• Paula J. Ehrlich, President and CEO, E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, Co-Founder, Half-Earth Project

“One word: Poetry. That’s what the world has to offer us. A whole series of mysteries, of possible discoveries, of phenomena, of unexpected events, and objects, and things, and living organisms and so on. An infinitude, almost, on this planet, waiting out there to be enjoyed.”

E.O. Wilson

Watch: The Science of Half-Earth

“Species are not just beautiful and each with a fascinating story to be told, as we’ve learned from some of Ed Wilson’s writing, they’re also the critical elements that underpin nature’s benefits to people.”

Walter Jetz, E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation Scientific Chair

Watch: Putting Species on the Map

The fate of species and their many benefits hinges on myriad decisions we make about places on land and sea. The science of Half-Earth sets out to quantify the species conservation relevance of areas worldwide for as many species groups and in as fine detail as possible. We will share with you the latest insights from this effort, including national reports and maps in support of biodiversity-informed regional decisions.

Featuring:

• Walter Jetz, Scientific Chair, E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, Professor, Yale University
• Craig Mills, CEO, Vizzuality

Watch: Species Discovery in Gorongosa National Park

On-the-ground scientific research and scholarship, like that being done in Gorongosa National Park, is adding daily to our understanding of Earth’s biodiversity and informing conservation management. Half-Earth Chair Piotr Naskrecki takes us on a journey to the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Laboratory in Gorongosa National Park, showing us first-hand how this critical research is done, and introducing us to the Mozambiquan scholars that are carrying this work forward.

Featuring:

• Piotr Naskrecki, Director, E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Laboratory at Gorongosa, Half-Earth Chair and Member, Half-Earth Council

Watch: Linking Evidence and Policy in Species Conservation

Countries are stewards of their biodiversity and their institutions are at the frontline of daily conservation decisions. Next year will see the completion of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework that many hope will represent a ‘Paris moment’ for biodiversity – a set of ambitious goals by nations worldwide for safeguarding biodiversity. Our panel will discuss the opportunities for science to track international policy targets and to support regional conservation decisions, with a spotlight on the collaboration of scientists and agencies in California.

Featuring:

• Hilary Allison, Head of the Ecosystem Assessment and Policy Support Programme, UNEP-WCMC
• Jon Jarvis, Executive Director, The University of California, Berkeley, Institute for Parks, People, and Biodiversity, former Director, National Park Service
• Jennifer Norris, Deputy Secretary for Biodiversity & Habitat, California Natural Resources Agency
• Henrique Pereira, Co-Chair, GEO Biodiversity Observation Network, Professor of Biodiversity Conservation, iDiv Germany
• Dawn Wright, Chief Scientist, Esri, Board Member, E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation

Watch: Inspiring the Next Naturalist

“The fact that they’ve been able to engage in solutions has made all the difference in the world to these kids. They’re optimistic about their future. We’ve got things we’ve got to do, but they feel like they can actually do them. They feel like they can have some impact on things moving forward. And if we can give that to kids, we’ve given them everything.”

Jim Redding, AP Environmental Science and Ecology Teacher

Watch: Mobilizing Next-Generation Conservation Stewards

We all feel a sense of urgency in moving to save our planet’s precious biodiversity. The Half-Earth Project is engaging young people in the conservation action that we need today and to sustain progress into the future. Meet inspiring teachers, community members, and students, learning and taking action in classrooms and in the broader community.

Featuring:

• Dennis Liu, VP of Education, E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, head of the Half-Earth Project Educator Ambassador program

Watch: Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants – Conservation in the Classroom

Conservation efforts work, and students are inspired when they see them in action and can directly engage with diverse professionals. Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants brings conservation scientists LIVE into classrooms around the world, elevating student curiosity and their understanding of the breadth of life in the world around them. Using two-way live-streaming satellite video technology, students experience the breadth of life on our planet, guided by the people doing the essential conservation work.

Featuring:

• Joe Grabowski, Founder, Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants, Emerging Explorer and Fellow, National Geographic

Watch: Legacy: A Land Lab Story

The Land Lab was created in 2013 as a project-based learning course by students of visionary environmental science teacher James Reding. Jim, his students, and the broader community have been revitalizing former corn fields adjacent to their school, creating a haven for biodiversity by planting native trees, restoring wetlands, and maintaining native prairie with controlled burning. Today, Granville, Ohio, has a place where biodiversity can thrive, including more than 150 species of birds. Learn how Mr. Reding has been inspired by his students, and how his students – the next-generation naturalists – have been propelled by Mr. Reding and the Land Lab experience.

Featuring:

• Jim Reding, AP Environmental Science and Ecology Teacher
• Mason Clark, Student, University of Cincinnati
• Rodrigo Mayet-Velasco, Student, Ohio State University

Watch: Vermont Community for a Half-Earth Future

People often ask: “How can I help reach the goal of Half-Earth?” Many times, the answer is: “You already are.” In Vermont, a group of individuals and organizations, inspired by Half-Earth, consolidated their varied efforts into a single alliance. What once seemed a set of small conservation accomplishments has become a broad achievement – and a proud local contribution to the goal of Half-Earth.

Featuring:

• Sandra Fary, Middle School Science Teacher, Camels Hump Middle School, Richmond, Vermont
• Walt Poleman, Senior Lecturer, Director of Ecological Planning Program, University of Vermont
• Eric Hagen, Field Naturalist Masters Student Collaborator
• Curt Lindberg, Vermont Community for a Half-Earth Future

Watch: The Contribution of Cities to Half-Earth

The Biophilic Cities Network focuses on the importance of living with nature and helping biodiversity flourish in urban environments. Tim Beatley, founder of Biophilic Cities, discusses how important it is for urban youth in particular to be able to experience nature where they live, to better understand and appreciate biodiversity, and to live healthier lives. Urban communities have an essential role in forging a Half-Earth Future.

Featuring:

• Tim Beatley, Founder and Executive Director, Biophilic Cities, Teresa Heinz Professor of Sustainable Communities, University of Virginia

Watch: Naturalist – A Graphic Adaptation

E.O. Wilson’s passion for nature, discovery, and ideas that make us rethink the world is unmatched. When first published more than 25 years ago, Dr. Wilson’s memoir, Naturalist, was called “one of the finest scientific memoirs ever written” by the Los Angeles Times. Naturalist is an inspiring account of Wilson’s growth as a scientist and the evolution of the fields he helped define. The graphic edition (publication date November 6, 2020), adapted by Jim Ottaviani and illustrated by C.M. Butzer, brings Wilson’s childhood and celebrated career to life through dynamic full-color illustrations and Wilson’s own lyrical writing, inspiring next generation naturalists everywhere. Learn about the creative process from Dr. Wilson and the graphic adaptation team and hear from teachers who are excited to bring this fresh version to inspire a new generation of naturalists.

Featuring:

• Edward O. Wilson, Honorary Curator in Entomology and University Research Professor Emeritus at Harvard University, Chairman, E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation Board of Advisors, Chairman, Half-Earth Council
• Jim Ottaviani, Writer, Naturalist – A Graphic Adaptation
• C.M. Butzer, Illustrator, Naturalist – A Graphic Adaptation
• Rebecca Bright, Associate Editor and Subsidiary Rights Manager, Island Press
• Tamara Jolly, High School Science Teacher, Baltimore City Public Schools
• Lauren Genesky, English Teacher, North Carolina
• With a special reading by Edward O. Wilson

Watch: Making Education Lively – Engaging the Next Generation Inside and Out

Students report being bored, day by day in their classrooms, and for the duration of their academic careers. Gain insights from four innovative Half-Earth Project Educator Ambassadors on how students can become more engaged and self-possessed in their learning, especially in connection with biodiversity and the natural world. We can open doors for students to learn and then apply that learning to conservation action both inside and outside the classroom.

Featuring:

• Jim Reding, High School Environmental Science Teacher, Granville School District
• Tamara Jolly, High School Science Teacher, Baltimore City Public Schools
• Erika Mitkus, Biology and Science Ethics Teacher, Knowles Fellow, Director of KELP
• Joe Grabowski, Founder, Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants, Emerging Explorer and Fellow, National Geographic

Watch: Igniting Change

“You need both. You need that personal action, that personal commitment and understanding, but you also need wise and ethical leaders who respond to those crises and help guide us.”

Jacob Lebel, Plaintiff in Juliana v U.S., a youth-led federal constitutional climate change lawsuit

“We have not had all pistons firing together — markets, policy, philanthropy. We are getting much closer to ignition. Externalities need to be addressed by companies, policy makers need to provide an economic incentive to companies to do so, and philanthropy has to be invested in sustainable solutions.”

Jeff Ubben

Watch: A Special Message from Paul Simon “Here Comes the Sun”

Watch a special message from legendary songwriter Paul Simon.

Achieving the bold solution of Half-Earth will require mass engagement of people to act as agents of change at a scale never before imagined and beyond the scope of any particular organizational or geopolitical jurisdiction. In this panel discussion, thought leaders from diverse sectors, including conservation, philanthropy, politics, policy, and youth activism, will address questions on how we can best convene and empower collaborative community conservation actions.

Featuring:

• Edward O. Wilson, Honorary Curator in Entomology and University Research Professor Emeritus at Harvard University, Chairman, E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation Board of Advisors, Chairman, Half-Earth Council
• Hansjörg Wyss, Founder and Chairman, The Wyss Foundation
• Kris Tompkins, Co-founder and President, Tompkins Conservation, UN Patron of Protected Areas
• Reggie Love, VP and Head of External Affairs, HRS Management, Co-founder, Apollo Global Management
• Jacob Lebel, Biodynamic farmer, activist, and writer; Plaintiff in Juliana v U.S., a youth-led federal constitutional climate change lawsuit
• Jaime Butler, Plaintiff in Juliana v U.S., a youth-led federal constitutional climate change lawsuit
• Jeff Ubben, Founder and Managing Partner, Inclusive Capital Partners, Board Member, E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation

Special Tribute:

• Legendary recording artist Paul Simon

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