In its seventh year, Half-Earth Day 2023 at GEO BON focused on how we can link information to action, fostering a conversation on how we can use the best available science to support communities in their understanding and stewardship of biodiversity, and empower stakeholders to ensure truly successful conservation outcomes.
Held October 12 in Montreal, Canada, the event featured distinguished scientists, conservationists, thinkers, educators, businesses and community activists, and leaders working to conserve global biodiversity.
Half-Earth Day 2023 Highlights
Experience Half-Earth Day 2023
Watch: Opening Remarks
Welcome message and land acknowledgment with
- Paula J. Ehrlich, President and CEO, E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, Co-Founder, Half-Earth Project
- Jack Dangermond, Founder and President, Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri)
- Louie Psihoyos, Oscar-winning filmmaker, Executive Director, Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS), National Geographic Photographer, Founder of Projecting Change
Watch: Wildfires, Biodiversity, and People
Experts from academic science and an indigenous community reflect on the impact of fires in Australia and Canada on species and people, and how to prepare for things to come.
- Luke Kelly, Associate Professor in Quantitative Ecology, University of Melbourne
- Eliot McIntire, Research Scientist, Canadian Forest Service
- Sam Hunter, Natural Resources Monitor, Weenusk First Nation
Watch: Safeguarding Species in a Changing World: The Role of Science
Researchers present facets of recent science progress on invasive alien species, threats to species in a warming ocean, and effective area-based conservation in Canada and worldwide, followed by a conversation on key knowledge gaps and opportunities.
- Walter Jetz, Scientific Chair, E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, Professor, Yale University
- Kelly Levin, Chief of Science, Data and Systems Change, Bezos Earth Fund
- Melodie McGeoch, Professor, LaTrobe University, Adjunct Professor, Monash University
- Derek Tittensor, Associate Professor and Jarislowsky Chair, Dalhousie University
- Laura Pollock, Assistant Professor, McGill University
- Tamara Rudic, Science Communications Specialist, Center for Biodiversity and Global Change, Yale University
Watch: Safeguarding Species in a Changing World: From Knowledge to Action
Members of the business, technology, policy, and philanthropic community reflect on how scientific advances support their decisions and the key knowledge needs unmet by current science and technologies.
- Walter Jetz, Scientific Chair, E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, Professor, Yale University
- Sean Breyer, Program Manager, Living Atlas of the World, Esri
- Alison Taylor, Chief Sustainability Officer, ADM
- James d’Ath, Technical Lead for Data & Analytics, TNFD
- María Cecilia Londoño, Senior Information Manager, Humboldt Institute
- Jorgen Thomsen, Director, Climate Solutions, MacArthur Foundation
- Kelly Levin, Chief of Science, Data and Systems Change, Bezos Earth Fund
Watch: “Linking Information to Action” Keynote, Musical Performance, and Closing Remarks
The James M. and Cathleen D. Stone Foundation Distinguished Lectureship in Biodiversity featuring Wade Davis, Professor of Anthropology and the BC Leadership Chair in Cultures and Ecosystems at Risk at the University of British Columbia
The Black Bear Singers, a pow wow drum group from the Atikamekw community of Manawan, has been singing Atikamekw songs since 2000 and has merited prizes and nominations for many musical awards in Canada.
Closing Remarks by Paula J. Ehrlich, President and CEO, E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, Co-Founder, Half-Earth Project
Featured Moments
From the extraordinary insights shared by our presenters to the fellowship among colleagues, Half-Earth Day was filled with moments of connection.
Half-Earth Day Sponsors
We are grateful to the support of our generous sponsors for making Half-Earth Day 2023 possible.
