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.

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David Wessel's book, "Only the Rich Can Play," exposes the 2017 Opportunity Zone tax break. Intended to aid underserved communities, this initiative, passed with little scrutiny, primarily

David Wessel's book, "Only the Rich Can Play," exposes the 2017 Opportunity Zone tax break. Intended to aid underserved communities, this initiative, passed with little scrutiny, primarily benefited wealthy areas like the Las Vegas Strip, allowing investors to avoid capital gains taxes.

Wessel's analysis details the program's failures and limited successes, offering lessons for better design. Join David Wessel (@davidmwessel) and Lenny Mendonca for an in-depth discussion on this system, which Wessel argues keeps the rich richer. This event was presented by The Commonwealth Club of California.

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In Kenya, strict laws against plastic bags have spurred innovation. Local fishermen in Lamu are building a giant sailing ship entirely from plastic waste. They plan to sail the Indian Ocean to

In Kenya, strict laws against plastic bags have spurred innovation. Local fishermen in Lamu are building a giant sailing ship entirely from plastic waste. They plan to sail the Indian Ocean to raise awareness about marine plastic pollution, showcasing a remarkable solution to a global problem.

This initiative is featured in National Geographic's Short Film Showcase, which highlights exceptional videos affirming the power of science, exploration, and storytelling. Explore more solutions and the full story: A Boat Made From Plastic Waste | Short Film Showcase | National Geographic

Lydia Jennings, a member of the Huichol (Wixaritari) and Pascua Yaqui (Yoeme) Nations, holds a doctorate in soil microbiology. Her work champions environmental science and the essential role of

Lydia Jennings, a member of the Huichol (Wixaritari) and Pascua Yaqui (Yoeme) Nations, holds a doctorate in soil microbiology. Her work champions environmental science and the essential role of Indigenous communities, striving for more inclusive academic and environmental landscapes.

When her graduation was canceled due to the pandemic, Lydia celebrated by running 50 miles to honor Indigenous scientists and knowledge keepers—a tribute to the past, present, and future. This inspiring story is captured in a film by Devin Whetstone and Jordan Marie Daniel.

Special thanks to Rising Hearts for making this film possible. Music was composed by Stephanie Nicora & Bill Reynolds, featuring vocalist Eden Fine Day, and songs by Portugal. The Man and Raye Zaragoza.

In this Talk, agripreneur Carlos Ignacio Velasco Castrillon discusses his work transforming Colombia's cacao industry. His efforts benefit poor smallholder farmers, offering coffee growers a vital

In this Talk, agripreneur Carlos Ignacio Velasco Castrillon discusses his work transforming Colombia's cacao industry. His efforts benefit poor smallholder farmers, offering coffee growers a vital alternative as climate change increasingly challenges coffee production.

An agripreneur with an INSEAD MBA and experience at Colombia's National Federation of Coffee Growers, Carlos now leads Cacao de Colombia. He works with farmers to enhance cocoa quality, producing Cacao Hunters chocolates for domestic and export markets, with the goal of revolutionizing the industry.

This talk was given at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

As the global push for a Circular Economy grows, Azby Brown's book "Just Enough" highlights how Edo-period Japan offers a historical prototype. Edo's environmental and design principles closely

As the global push for a Circular Economy grows, Azby Brown's book "Just Enough" highlights how Edo-period Japan offers a historical prototype. Edo's environmental and design principles closely align with Circular Economy ideals, demonstrating a comfortable, healthy, and beautiful sustainable lifestyle.

Brown, an expert in environmentalism and traditional Japanese sustainable practices, has lived in Japan for over three decades. His internationally recognized writings cover traditional carpentry and compact housing. Since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, he also leads research for Safecast, a global citizen-science organization.

This talk was given at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Register now for Bioneers 2022 at conference.bioneers.org.

Facing a civilizational stress test, authentic transformation is urgently needed.

Register now for Bioneers 2022 at conference.bioneers.org.

Facing a civilizational stress test, authentic transformation is urgently needed. Bioneers 2022 will explore solutions, strategies, and paradigm shifts to accelerate this change, emphasizing the power of community and collective action.

Join us in San Francisco, CA, at the Palace of Fine Arts for our in-person event, or access live virtual content from anywhere in the world.

After weeks of protests, legal action, and public comments, the last shipping container from former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey's rogue border wall was removed. This anti-immigrant symbol sliced

After weeks of protests, legal action, and public comments, the last shipping container from former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey's rogue border wall was removed. This anti-immigrant symbol sliced through a vital wildlife corridor, impacting endangered jaguars and ocelots. The Center's Russ McSpadden called it "perhaps the only major border wall removed globally since the Berlin Wall." Taxpayers, however, still pay millions for Ducey's destructive stunt.

The Center for Biological Diversity is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to securing a future for all species. We protect lands, waters, and climate, believing human welfare is deeply linked to nature.

Learn more at biologicaldiversity.org or email center@biologicaldiversity.org.

Addressing global food security and feeding a rapidly expanding population, Helianti Hilman founded JAVARA in 2008. Inspired by Indonesia's food biodiversity, JAVARA works with smallholder farmers

Addressing global food security and feeding a rapidly expanding population, Helianti Hilman founded JAVARA in 2008. Inspired by Indonesia's food biodiversity, JAVARA works with smallholder farmers and producers, nurturing rural entrepreneurs to create a wide range of organic food products for domestic and export markets.

JAVARA now partners with tens of thousands of farmers, foragers, and fishers across Indonesia, producing over 900 artisanal products. To build inclusive economic development, Hilman launched Sekolah @SenimanPangan (School of Food Artisans) in 2017. This platform empowers young farmers to become food entrepreneurs by creating and selling value-added products and services. This talk was given at a TEDx event; learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Chad Valdez (Diné) is a writer and bookseller based in Denver, CO. He holds an MFA in Fiction with a minor in Native American Studies from New Mexico State University, where he received multiple

Chad Valdez (Diné) is a writer and bookseller based in Denver, CO. He holds an MFA in Fiction with a minor in Native American Studies from New Mexico State University, where he received multiple awards.

He taught English and Creative Writing, sharing his passion for Indigenous storytelling and epistemology. His work has appeared in *Windward Review*, [CBR.com](https://www.cbr.com/), and other publications.

This piece is Chad's audio story, "Split Decision."