Yes, it\u2019s easy to feel despondent. The planet is overheating<\/a> and nature is declining at unprecedented<\/a> rates.<\/p>\n But environmental chaos is not inevitable. And doom and gloom never did any good<\/a>. Increasingly, thought leaders are urging optimism<\/a> \u2014 and a clear-eyed focus on\u00a0solutions<\/a>\u00a0that\u00a0are well within reach.<\/p>\n Around the world, people are working to confront climate change and biodiversity loss by protecting nature<\/a>. Meet five Conservation International experts who share why they have hope for our Earth \u2014\u00a0and why you should, too.<\/p>\n Surfing brings me hope because it grounds me in purpose and connects me to the ocean\u00a0\u2014 and to people all over the world. Through surfing, I\u2019ve developed a strong relationship with nature and become more attuned to my environment. My passion Marissa Miller<\/strong> \u00a0<\/p>\n I\u2019m inspired by the Indigenous women of the Amazon, who despite all adversity stand taller and raise their voices louder every day. In the Amazon, almost every woman is also a mother \u2014 they want the best for their families and are working Daniela Amico<\/strong> \u00a0<\/p>\n I’m hopeful about the movement toward embracing new metrics of prosperity that consider the value of nature. For too long, economies have valued consumption and production at the expense of the environment. But now, more and more, the value of nature Anna Haw<\/strong> \u00a0<\/p>\n The lotus I planted in my garden gives me hope. Out of the mud comes beauty, that\u2019s the message of the lotus bloom. I draw inspiration from that idea in my work with communities thar are confronted with the effects of climate change, ecosystem loss, Wilson John Barbon<\/strong> \u00a0<\/p>\n Science brings me hope. The challenges the world faces are urgent; we can\u2019t improvise. Science gives me the assurance that we\u2019re using the best available information to make conservation decisions on which our well-being depends. And you know Andrea Vasquez\u00a0<\/strong> \u00a0<\/p>\n Vanessa Bauza is the editorial director at Conservation International. Want to read more stories like this? Sign up for email updates here<\/a>.![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/ciorg.imgix.net\/images\/default-source\/ci-ecuador\/marissa-miller6f60c280-efaf-41a6-a21c-0b0d4d69c53a?&auto=compress&auto=format&fit=crop?&auto=compress&auto=format&w=800\")
Marissa Miller surfing on the South Shore of O’ahu, Hawai’i. Yoshi Tanaka\u00a0<\/h6>\n
\nfor surfing goes beyond my love for riding waves because surfing relies on healthy coastal ecosystems, and healthy coastal ecosystems create many benefits for local communities. For me, surfing illuminates the interconnectedness between people and
\nour environment, making every surf session a reminder of why I do what I do at Conservation International. Those special moments \u2014 when I am floating out on the water, dancing across waves and connecting with the ocean \u2014 are a reminder
\nof what I strive to protect.\n<\/p>\n
Coordinator for Surf Conservation & Blue Production
San Luis Obispo, United States<\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/ciorg.imgix.net\/images\/default-source\/temp\/dani-pic-ed23?&auto=compress&auto=format&fit=crop?&auto=compress&auto=format&w=800\")
Daniela Amico with Margarita Cumbia, a member of the Awajun Indigenous group, at a workshop in the Peruvian Amazon. Marlon del \u00c1guila<\/h6>\n
\nhard to restore the nature that provides their medicine, food, water and connections to their cultural heritage. It is not easy when your voice is silenced. Studies show<\/a>\u00a0that Indigenous women<\/a> face high levels of domestic violence and other abuse. Yet they find
\nways to speak up, to participate and make decisions that are changing their communities for the better. I see that energy in their faces every time I visit them and it gives me hope.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Senior Communications Manager
Lima, Peru<\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/ciorg.imgix.net\/images\/default-source\/temp\/anna-ed-23?&auto=compress&auto=format&fit=crop?&auto=compress&auto=format&w=800\")
Anna Haw in Kenya\u2019s Maasai Mara. Courtesy of Anna Haw<\/h6>\n
\n\u2014 from providing clean air and water, to sustaining healthy food systems \u2014 is being brought into national agendas. I love that through Conservation International\u2019s science, field projects and collaborations we are finding ways to
\nbuild economies that focus on the well-being of people and nature to ensure a prosperous, healthy future for generations to come.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Regional Manager, Herding for Health
Cape Town, South Africa<\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/ciorg.imgix.net\/images\/default-source\/temp\/wilson?&auto=compress&auto=format&fit=crop?&auto=compress&auto=format&w=800\")
Wilson John Barbon planted his lotus during the pandemic lockdown. Courtesy of Wilson John Barbon<\/h6>\n
\nand extreme poverty and food insecurity. With the right tools, important local solutions can emerge from working closely with communities. Hope can bloom, despite the challenges.<\/p>\n
Conservation Program Senior Director
Manila, Philippines<\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/ciorg.imgix.net\/images\/default-source\/temp\/andrea-vasquez?&auto=compress&auto=format&fit=crop?&auto=compress&auto=format&w=800\")
Andrea Vasquez hiking in Heredia, Costa Rica. Courtesy of Andrea Vasquez<\/h6>\n
\nwhat else we need to be effective<\/a>? Diverse and inclusive teams. It gives me hope that we are advancing<\/a> our diversity, equity and inclusion strategy to implement more durable conservation solutions.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n
Director, Human Resources
Heredia, Costa Rica.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nDonate to Conservation International here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n