Water is fundamental to all life. In "Water Always Wins," Erica Gies examines water's vital role and our connection to it, proposing we consider what water desires instead of controlling its path.

This episode is from Nature's Genius, a Bioneers limited series.

Nature's Genius, a Bioneers podcast, explores how nature's wisdom offers solutions for human civilization and living systems. It posits an "Age of Nature," urging a radical shift in our relationship with the natural world for healing ourselves and the planet.

The series blends Indigenous wisdom and modern science, revealing interconnectedness and time-tested principles from 3.8 billion years of evolution that allow living systems to flourish.

It features scientists, ecologists, Indigenous practitioners, and authors like Brett KenCairn (naturebasedclimate.solutions) and Toby Kiers (spun.earth). They explore nature's inherent intelligence to model sustainable human organization.

Dr. Shane Gero's groundbreaking research deciphers sperm whale communication, revealing their complex, intelligent lives and cultures. His work suggests whales are "people too," urging us to learn deep listening for respectful coexistence.

Gero, a Canadian whale biologist and National Geographic Explorer, founded The Dominica Sperm Whale Project and leads biology for Project CETI. His science, which formed the basis for the Emmy-winning series *Secrets of the Whales*, is transforming our understanding of marine life. Learn more at shanegero.com.

This episode is part of the Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature series, exploring these vital insights.

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, a wildlife ecologist and conservation biologist, co-hosts "Wild Kingdom" and shares her personal journey. She advocates for peaceful coexistence, reminding us that humans are part of nature, and all life is interconnected.

She is the author of "Wild Life: Finding My Purpose in an Untamed World" (https://zandoprojects.com/books/wildlife/) and creator of the "Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant" podcast. This content is part of the Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature series. Learn more at the Bioneers radio and podcast homepage.

Climate disruption significantly harms health. Drs. Linda Rudolph and Barbara Sattler highlight that civilization's success hinges on public health systems becoming ingenious, nimble, and socially just to restore the ecosystem health vital for all well-being. Addressing climate change is inherently good for our health.

This content is from the *Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature* series. Learn more by visiting their radio and podcast homepage: https://bioneers.org/bioneers-radio/.

Clean energy entrepreneur Danny Kennedy explores the vital transition to renewable energy, discussing its promise and challenges. He addresses the urgent question of whether humanity can shift quickly enough to avert complete climate breakdown, confidently stating that we can.

Kennedy emphasizes that this monumental shift will be driven by millions of clean energy entrepreneurs and startups, working in partnership with the determined leadership of Indigenous Peoples worldwide.

Climate is fundamental to all ecological, biological, and human systems. As we confront a long climate emergency, skilled leaders are uniting to transform our lifestyles and foster widespread resilience.

Key figures in this effort include Berkeley's Chief Resilience Officer Timothy Burroughs, Professor David W. Orr, and financial adviser Tom Van Dyck.

Colonial oppression severely damaged the relationship between tribal communities and their traditional lands. However, a new generation of First Nations activists is now working to restore these vital connections.

These activists are dedicated to safeguarding Indigenous identity for future generations. Their efforts include protecting traditional territories and sacred sites, while also renewing Indigenous land stewardship practices.

Key figures in this movement include Eriel Deranger (Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation), Valentin Lopez (Amah Mutsun Tribal Band), and Cara Romero (Mohave-based Chemehuevi Tribe).

Acclaimed author and queer activist Taylor Brorby confronts the escalating authoritarian backlash against LGBTQ rights, questioning why this battle persists. As a writer also addressing the fossil fuel industry's role in climate chaos, Brorby faces a dilemma: the existential crises impacting nature and LGBTQ people.

He argues these struggles are interconnected. Brorby seeks to reconcile nature, culture, diversity, and belonging, emphasizing that all these elements are part of a unified fight.

Powerful new analytical and mapping tools are transforming our understanding of the natural world, enhancing our ability to conserve, protect, and restore the biosphere.

This program explores the boundless possibilities of digital maps and platforms with Rebecca Moore, visionary founder of Google Earth Outreach and Google Earth Engine.

This episode is part of the *Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature* series. Learn more on the Bioneers Radio and Podcast homepage.

The Rights of Nature movement, launched in 2006, is rapidly expanding, with over three dozen U.S. communities adopting laws to protect ecosystems. This program features Native American attorneys Frank Bibeau (Minnesota Chippewa Tribe) and Samantha Skenandore (Ho-Chunk/Oneida), alongside legal leader Thomas Linzey (Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights). They discuss strategies to advance these rights.

Explore resources: Changing Everything, The Rights of Nature Movement, and Bioneers Rights of Nature Deep Dive. This episode is from the Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature series; visit the radio and podcast homepage.

While forests have often been viewed as inert resources, Suzanne Simard’s revolutionary research is transforming forest ecology. A Professor of Forestry at the University of British Columbia, Simard’s groundbreaking work reveals the complex, interconnected nature of forests, particularly the below-ground fungal networks that facilitate interplant communication. Her findings echo the wisdom of First Peoples, offering a new paradigm for sustainable living on Earth.

Learn more about Suzanne Simard’s research on her website. Further insights, including her Bioneers keynote and panel discussions on forest intelligence, are available through related resources. This content is part of the Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature series.

Calling someone an "animal" often implies they are less than human, undeserving of respect or rights. Yet, biologically, humans are animals.

Scientists increasingly find intelligence and consciousness prevalent across nature. This understanding demands we rethink what it truly means to be an animal.

Visionary naturalist Carl Safina suggests that understanding other species begins with observation and humility.

Erica Gies is an independent journalist, National Geographic Explorer, and author of "Water Always Wins: Thriving in an age of drought and deluge." She covers water, climate, and wildlife for major publications like *Scientific American* and *The New York Times*. Her accolades include the Sierra Club’s Rachel Carson Award and the Renewable Natural Resources Foundation’s Excellence in Journalism Award.

This keynote was presented at the 2024 Bioneers Conference. Additional talks from the conference can be viewed at http://www.bioneers.org.

Taylor Brorby, a poet, writer, and activist, grew up in North Dakota, witnessing the environmental and personal scars inflicted by the fossil fuel industry. A profound critic, his works include the memoir *Boys and Oil: Growing Up Gay in a Fractured Land*, essays in *Civil Disobedience*, and co-edited *Fracture*. He seeks to inspire passion to protect the biosphere.

Brorby is also the author of *Crude: Poems*, with work appearing in *The NY Times* and *Orion*. He has received prestigious fellowships and teaches nonfiction writing at the University of Alabama.

This keynote talk was delivered at the 2024 Bioneers Conference. Explore other talks at bioneers.org.

The fight against climate change is deeply linked with digital rights, as advocates face surveillance and censorship while information flow is controlled by large corporations. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) actively protects these rights, aiding environmental activists with security and privacy.

EFF Executive Director Cindy Cohn, a leading Internet law attorney, will explain how EFF's advocacy for open access to scientific information, net neutrality, and open source technologies is critical in preventing climatic unraveling.

This keynote talk was delivered at the 2024 Bioneers Conference. To see other talks, visit http://www.bioneers.org.

Dolores Huerta, 93, is a living legend and influential U.S. labor and Chicano civil rights leader. Her seven decades of activism include co-founding the United Farm Workers with César Chávez, leading strikes and boycotts, and advocating for agricultural workers' rights, including safer conditions and benefits. Today, she shares insights on union organizing across all economic sectors and fostering unity among labor, social, racial, gender, and climate justice movements for a fairer society.

This keynote talk was delivered at the 2024 Bioneers Conference. Explore other talks at http://www.bioneers.org.

Casey, a respected activist for Indigenous rights, women's leadership, and the "Rights of Nature" movement, explores Indigenous perspectives on humanity's relationship with the natural world. She shares ancestral wisdom for harmoniously interacting with Earth, Air, Water, and Fire.

This talk highlights sophisticated traditional Indigenous land, water, and fire stewardship strategies. These methods, now being "rediscovered" by contemporary managers, offer crucial lessons for addressing the climate crisis.

Originally delivered as a keynote at the 2024 Bioneers Conference, other talks can be found at www.bioneers.org.

Bioneers' founder, Kenny Ausubel (since 1990), is renowned for his annual orations, which use analysis and humor to expose societal malfeasance. This year, he dissected the history and current strategies of corporations, highlighting their increasing dominance in our economy and political system, and urged resistance against these powerful forces.

This keynote talk was delivered at the 2024 Bioneers Conference. To view other talks, visit http://www.bioneers.org.

Charlotte Lenore Michaluk, a 17-year-old scientist and biomimetic inventor, shares a hopeful vision for sustainable technology. She explores how diverse fields, from fiber arts to cargo ship systems, can inspire green solutions that balance profit with public health and climate mitigation.

Michaluk's interdisciplinary approach leverages insights from the natural world to create brilliant, clean technologies. Her keynote talk, delivered at the 2024 Bioneers Conference, showcases the possibilities unleashed by innovative thinking.

To view other conference talks, visit www.bioneers.org.