Earth and Environment

Bernd Heinrich – A biologist and naturalist, Heinrich explores animal intelligence and endurance, drawing on decades of research to uncover survival secrets in the natural world and its ecosystems.

Dayna Baumeister – A leader in biomimicry, Baumeister studies nature’s designs to inspire sustainable innovations, proving the natural world holds solutions to today’s engineering and environmental challenges.

George Schaller – One of the world’s foremost field biologists, Schaller spent decades studying and advocating for endangered species, from snow leopards to gorillas in remote habitats.

James Prosek – An artist, writer, and conservationist, Prosek captures the beauty and diversity of nature, particularly through paintings of fish and biodiversity with artistic precision.

Sy Montgomery – A naturalist and author, Montgomery has spent a lifetime forging connections with animals, revealing intelligence, emotions, and the mysteries of their worlds.

Deepika Kurup – A scientist and innovator, Kurup developed groundbreaking water purification technology as a teenager, proving young minds can help solve environmental challenges.

Steven Wofsy – A climate scientist and lead investigator for MethaneSAT, Wofsy pioneers methane tracking from space to provide crucial data for reducing greenhouse gases and mitigating climate change.

David Gruber – A marine biologist and founder of Project CETI, Gruber leads research to decode sperm whale communication using AI to explore their complex vocal language and deep social intelligence.

Charles Yarish – A marine scientist and pioneer in aquaculture, Yarish champions the ecological and economic benefits of seaweed farming, helping to absorb CO2 and restore marine ecosystems sustainably.

Don Kroodsma – An expert in bird song and avian communication, Kroodsma has spent a lifetime decoding bird vocalizations, deepening understanding of their behavior, ecology, and acoustic diversity.

Gus Speth – An environmental leader and policy advocate Speth shaped conservation efforts, stressing an urgent need for systemic change to solve climate and ecological crises worldwide.

Mary Evelyn Tucker – A scholar of religion and ecology, Tucker bridges science and spirituality, highlighting deep connections between environmental ethics, sustainability, and traditions.

Terry Tempest Williams – A writer and activist, Williams blends environmental and social justice, using lyrical storytelling to advocate for wild places, public lands, and the resilience of human spirit.

Karen Oberhauser – A conservation biologist, Oberhauser is a leading expert in monarch butterflies, studying their migration patterns and advocating for habitat protection worldwide today.

Robin Van Loon – A sustainable agriculture expert, Van Loon collaborates with Indigenous communities to promote regenerative land management, rainforest conservation, and ecosystem restoration today.

David Carroll – A gifted artist, writer, and naturalist, Carroll’s fieldwork and illustrations document turtles and wetlands, offering a deep appreciation for these fragile environments and their protection.

Eben Bayer – A visionary in sustainable materials, Bayer harnesses mycelium to create eco-friendly alternatives to plastic packing material and furniture, demonstrating how nature can inspire the future of green design.

James Perry Wilson – A master diorama artist and naturalist, Wilson brought museum exhibits to life with realistic landscapes, preserving nature’s beauty through artistic painting techniques.

Sherri Mason – A researcher on plastic pollution, Mason exposed the presence of microplastics in waterways, driving awareness, policy reform, and urgent action to protect clean water.

Tom Wessels – An ecologist, educator, and author, Wessels explores ecosystems and sustainability, emphasizing climate resilience and our collective role in protecting the natural world today.

Merlin Sheldrake – A biologist and author, Sheldrake explores the hidden world of fungi, revealing their role in ecosystems, plant communication, and their interconnectedness.

Alessandro Bocconcelli – An oceanographer and marine engineer, Bocconcelli develops technology to study and mitigate underwater sound pollution’s harmful effects on marine life and ocean ecosystems.