Even "scary" creatures need our help. Discover the Center's work defending endangered species like bats, American burying beetles, and the rare Bone Cave harvestman.

Learn about their

Even "scary" creatures need our help. Discover the Center's work defending endangered species like bats, American burying beetles, and the rare Bone Cave harvestman.

Learn about their fascinating biology—from unique senses to their diets—and the industry-funded campaigns threatening their survival. This presentation highlights critical efforts to protect these vulnerable species.

Center staff attorney Ryan Shannon, an expert in defending the Endangered Species Act, will lead this insightful discussion.

In 2016, 18-year-old Chander Payne addressed his school's fresh produce shortage by connecting its food pantry with a local farm, delivering 20 pounds weekly. Inspired by regenerative agriculture,

In 2016, 18-year-old Chander Payne addressed his school's fresh produce shortage by connecting its food pantry with a local farm, delivering 20 pounds weekly. Inspired by regenerative agriculture, he founded Urban Beet farm in his high school courtyard. He invited youth from the Washington DC–based Homeless Children’s Playtime Project to grow vegetables, and his team partnered with True Food Kitchen to provide 20 children with farm-fresh meals.

Urban Beet has since provided 2,500 pounds of produce to underserved families and people experiencing homelessness, replicating its model nationwide. During the pandemic, they also donated 200 Free Little Farms—windowsill planters complete with soil, seeds, and support notes. Learn more at Brower Youth Awards.

"Free Solo" climber Alex Honnold compares fighting climate change to physical training, emphasizing the need for practice and starting small. He suggests the U.S. Legislature is "under-trained"

"Free Solo" climber Alex Honnold compares fighting climate change to physical training, emphasizing the need for practice and starting small. He suggests the U.S. Legislature is "under-trained" and should begin with initiatives like the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. Honnold views any effort to reduce carbon emissions as a step in the right direction, endorsing this bill as a crucial first step.

Watch the video to learn more about Honnold's endorsement, share it, and then use our online tool to email your member of Congress, asking them to sponsor this important bill: cclusa.org/write.

Join The Commonwealth Club and UC Berkeley’s Townsend Center for "Climate Change and Sacred Groves," part of a series on catastrophe and the present. Scholar Sugata Ray and artist Ranu Mukherjee

Join The Commonwealth Club and UC Berkeley’s Townsend Center for "Climate Change and Sacred Groves," part of a series on catastrophe and the present. Scholar Sugata Ray and artist Ranu Mukherjee will discuss the natural world's relationship with the sacred in India, especially in the Anthropocene.

Ray, author of *Climate Change and the Art of Devotion*, examines ecologically grounded theology. Mukherjee's art focuses on ecology and culture, often featuring the banyan tree. Their conversation will prompt reflection on art's role in contemporary climate, health, and sacred concerns.

For more: Subscribe, view events, become a member, or watch & listen. Connect on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

On this 50th Earth Day, Defenders emphasizes the critical role of science for the long-term health of communities, wildlife, and the planet. Ignoring climate science intensifies global challenges,

On this 50th Earth Day, Defenders emphasizes the critical role of science for the long-term health of communities, wildlife, and the planet. Ignoring climate science intensifies global challenges, including pandemics. We must change behavior, curb industrial greed, and close wildlife markets to protect our future. Rise up to keep wildlife safe: https://dfnd.us/2K70thb.

Our future and that of voiceless wildlife depend on immediate action. Use your voice to demand accountability from elected officials and vote for change this November. The vital connections between a healthy environment and public health are severely threatened. Time is running out; let's fight together for the Earth.

Lukáš Krnáč explores the contrast between fast and slow fashion, highlighting the value of local design and the true cost of mass-produced clothing. He advocates for economical, ecological,

Lukáš Krnáč explores the contrast between fast and slow fashion, highlighting the value of local design and the true cost of mass-produced clothing. He advocates for economical, ecological, and responsible practices within the fashion industry, demonstrating how designers can prioritize ethics.

A fashion design student, Krnáč launched his award-winning brand in 2017, presenting collections internationally at events like Mercedes Benz Prague Fashion Week. His work appeals to young customers and industry professionals alike. This talk was independently organized as a TEDx event. Learn more at ted.com/tedx.

Astrid Paramita Mochtarram is an Indonesian engineer, artist, writer, and entrepreneur based in Berlin. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Informatics (AI) and a Master of Science in Digital

Astrid Paramita Mochtarram is an Indonesian engineer, artist, writer, and entrepreneur based in Berlin. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Informatics (AI) and a Master of Science in Digital Media. After three years as a fiction author, she returned to her engineering roots, now passionately leading her tech startup, Twindly.

Twindly, born from her love for beauty and tech, initially helped users find "beauty twins." It is now pivoting to provide automated recommendations for sustainable beauty and appreciating one's existing stash. This talk was given at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Cree Elder A.J. Felix delivered a powerful "Wake Up" song and teachings at The Turtle Lodge on March 19, 2020, for the launch of "Wahbanung - The Resurgence of a People." His message called for

Cree Elder A.J. Felix delivered a powerful "Wake Up" song and teachings at The Turtle Lodge on March 19, 2020, for the launch of "Wahbanung - The Resurgence of a People." His message called for spiritual awakening, urging listeners to address community challenges like children's suffering, disunity, and lack of sharing or prayer.

Elder Felix offered four vital teachings: pray sincerely, even with tears, as the spirit world listens; avoid buying luck or success, which can bring harm; and once grounded in prayer, remain humble, sharing blessings with those in need. This path leads to success and peace.

Learn more at www.turtlelodge.org or The Turtle Lodge on Facebook.

The "membership economy" is profoundly transforming business, comparable to the industrial revolution, states Silicon Valley consultant Robbie Kellman Baxter. This model shifts the consumer-brand

The "membership economy" is profoundly transforming business, comparable to the industrial revolution, states Silicon Valley consultant Robbie Kellman Baxter. This model shifts the consumer-brand relationship from transactional to relational, emphasizing access over ownership and delivering a "forever promise."

While not a new concept—Charles Dickens used subscriptions—modern technology allows businesses to build these ongoing relationships with unprecedented reach. This shift, exemplified by Netflix's success over Blockbuster, prioritizes consistent value and customer certainty. Baxter, author of "The Membership Economy," details this move from one-time payments to recurring revenue and multi-directional communication.

Discover more: Big Think YouTube and Big Think Edge.

Indonesia faces a challenge where media and celebrity lifestyles promote excessive consumerism, leading many to acquire often useless items while mimicking influencers. This talk advocates for

Indonesia faces a challenge where media and celebrity lifestyles promote excessive consumerism, leading many to acquire often useless items while mimicking influencers. This talk advocates for minimalism as an ideal lifestyle, exploring its core principles and demonstrating how living with less can significantly enhance one's life.

Agi Tiara Pranoto, a Yogyakarta-based blogger and mediator, adopted a minimalist lifestyle in 2016. Her blog, DUCKOFYORK.COM, focuses on Urban Young Adult Lifestyle. Agi's unique approach to minimalism prioritizes mindset over simple decluttering.

This presentation was delivered at an independently organized TEDx event. Discover more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.