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STATE OF THE EARTH

Many countries and companies annually share news with their constituents and stakeholders about how they are performing. These State of the Union or State of the Corporation meetings project how that entity is doing, and what lies ahead.

But we rarely have a State of the Earth, in which we collectively focus on the planet: how robust it is, how vulnerable it is, and what is happening to address those strengths and weaknesses.

On April 5th, the First Friday of Earth Month, SLF hosted our own State of the Earth with a panel of experts from four different sectors (the four Ps): People, Planet, Policy, and Purpose.

Guests reported on their own activities in these sectors and discuss their attempts to improve sustainable measures in their corners, and held a wider discussion on what we all can do to create a more resilient and equitable Earth.

Mayte
Gonzalaez
IUCN, Head of Human Rights in Conservation

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John
Holm

PYXERA Global, Sr. VP, Circular Economy

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Kristy Drutman Brown Girl Green, Founder

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Patricia
Sims

World Elephant Day, Founder

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Lance
Gould

Moderating
Brooklyn Story Lab

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Grace
Chalmers

Q&A
Samuel Lawrence Foundation

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LIVE STREAM
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The "First Fridays" Series is our monthly educational spotlight on people, ideas, and projects making a positive difference in the world.

At SLF, we are dedicated to fostering a sustainable future and bridging the information gap in communities worldwide.

 

Through our First Friday Series, we bring together renowned experts in the field of environmental sciences and education. These leading voices share their groundbreaking research and insights, unveiling the transformative potential of utilizing our planet's resources to combat climate change, preserve our environment, and promote global equity.

 

Discover the latest advancements, innovative solutions, and actionable strategies that can shape a brighter future for generations to come. Each webinar offers a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge, engage with thought leaders, and be part of a global movement striving for positive change.

 

Don't miss out on this exceptional platform for learning, inspiration, and collaboration. Mark your calendars for the first Friday of each month and join us in our mission to create a sustainable world where knowledge knows no boundaries. Together, let's build a future where our environment thrives, our climate is protected, and information empowers all.

Webinar Registration

April 5th, 2024

State of the Earth

While many countries and companies regularly host State of the Union and State of the Corporation meetings to update their constituents and stakeholders on their progress, there's a notable absence of a State of the Earth event focusing on the planet's overall health, strengths, and weaknesses.

In our State of the Earth, we brought together a panel of experts representing the “four P's”: People, Planet, Policy, and Purpose.

Kristy Drutman is the founder of Browngirl Green. Kristy turns climate doom into humor, healing chats, and educational tools for action. She is also the co-founder of the Green Jobs Board, a community of 100,000+ members committed to building careers in climate work.

Patricia Sims co-founded World Elephant Day in 2012. World Elephant Day is a rallying call to stop illegal poaching and the trade of ivory. Patricia has built a global awareness movement that's resulted in partnerships with 100 conservation organizations worldwide and reached countless individuals across the globe.

John Holm is the Senior Vice President of Partnership Development at Pyxera Global. John and his team work to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems by fostering enabling environments and removing barriers to inclusion while preserving and protecting cultural heritage and knowledge.

Mayte Gonzalez is the Head of Human Rights in Conservation for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Mayte has been involved in the creation and implementation of environmental legislation including Panama's the National Wildlife Law, the National Law for Aquaculture and the Law for the Coiba National Park.

Our guests' inspiring work will certainly leave you feeling that our planet is in good hands.

February 2nd, 2024

The San Onofre Briefing: The Latest on SoCal's Shut Down Nuclear Power Plant

What’s the status of the nuclear waste currently stored on site at San Onofre (SONGS)? What does it mean for a nuclear plant to be decommissioned? Is radiation still a concern for the surrounding community? Is San Onofre safe?

As advocates for a safe and sustainable future for Southern California, SLF is thrilled to invite you to our upcoming First Fridays webinar, "The San Onofre Briefing: The Latest on SoCal's Shut Down Nuclear Power Plant." This event will take place tomorrow, February 2, at 11:30 am PST.

Join us for a comprehensive exploration of the recent developments surrounding the decommissioning of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). Our expert panel – including a retired Admiral of the U.S. Navy and the Former Chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission – will delve into the current status, environmental impact, and public health implications of the shut down nuclear site.

This is a conversation you won't want to miss!

December 1st, 2023

Live from Dubai

This live, open discussion provides a unique opportunity to hear directly from participants at the forefront of the UN’s annual climate conference, COP28, hosted by the United Arab Emirates in Dubai.

The Live from Dubai webinar features distinguished guests actively working on impactful solutions: Deirdre White, CEO of the international development nonprofit Pyxera Global; Kneyone Murray, young entrepreneur and CEO of Kneyzeus Energy in Trinidad and Tobago; Noa Gafni, Professor at Columbia University’s Climate School; Francois Rogers, Executive Director of the nonprofit Blue Planet Alliance, partner of the Samuel Lawrence Foundation.

38,000 attendees will have the opportunity to hear insights from these experts and discover the promise of hope they bring to the climate challenges we face.

October 6th, 2023

Save the Pacific From Radioactive Wastewater

The recent dumping of 250,000 gallons of radioactive wastewater from Fukushima has garnered global outcry about the effects of adding radioactivity to our ecosystem.

Learn about the consequences of radioactive exposures, studied by University of South Carolina Professor of Biological Sciences, Timothy Mousseau, PhD, and discover more about the effects of exposures to radionuclides such as tritium and many others.  

“There’s a very clear link between the health of our oceans and the health of people,” says University of Hawaii Marine Biology Professor, Robert Richmond, PhD. “Human health and environmental health are tied together.”

August 4th, 2023

Accelerating the Renewable Era: Energy Solutions for a Regenerative Planet

The Samuel Lawrence Foundation is pleased to welcome Blue Planet Alliance Founder Henk Rogers and Stanford University's Professor Mark Z. Jacobson to our monthly First Friday webinar Aug. 4.

Moderating the discussion is Lance Gould, founder and CEO of Brooklyn Story Lab.

According to a UN report, we have less than seven years to change our destructive habits before we cause permanent harm to the planet. Our speakers will show that a sustainable future with renewable energy is entirely within reach.

June 2nd, 2023

Can Nuclear Energy Help Meet US Climate Goals?

You’re invited to the Samuel Lawrence Foundation’s June 2nd First Friday Series Zoom briefing designed for members of Congress, their staffs, relevant federal agencies, and the media. It features leading indecent experts who have critically analyzed nuclear power’s potential role in fighting climate change.

March 1st, 2024

Women Lead The Way

We’re living in a precarious era, one defined in the last half decade by a polycrisis of three Cs: COVID, climate, and conflict. And much of the worst elements of these crises have been exacerbated by poor leadership.

As the global climate gets increasingly worse, it’s worth noting that international climate conferences are dominated by men, like the UN COP conferences, where the heads of state of almost 200 countries are signatories to consequential treaties — and the number of them that are women are in the single digits.

And, as noted by Margot Wallström, Sweden’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, 130 international peace agreements were signed between 1990 and 2014, and women were signatories to just 13.

Meanwhile, the most compelling leadership in the handling of all of these crises has come from women: New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern won much praise throughout the world for her handling of the COVID emergency in her country. And women leadership in the climate space has been led by Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson.

In honor of Women's History Month and International Women's Day, this episode of the Samuel Lawrence Foundation’s “First Fridays” highlights a panel of women leaders who have answers on how to move forward in a new way, with an emphasis on empowering, sensible solutions.

Watch now to hear from panelists who have a focus on educating the next generation of women and finding sustainable solutions for our economy, society, environment, and planet.

This is a conversation you won't want to miss!

January 5th, 2024

Game Changers - Solutions for 2024

We’re in a new year, which means we’re one year closer to 2030. That’s the deadline suggested by scientists and other experts as the date by which we need to make substantive changes to our way of life, or face potentially irreversible negative consequences.

Experts have been clamoring for solutions for this massive challenge. In this “First Fridays” episode, we’ll hear from people at all three of these organizations, with their fingers on the pulse of exactly the kinds of ideas that will pull us out of the mess we’re in. We’ll also meet two other solutionists, including the founder of an anti-racist lifestyle brand called America’s Hot Sauce. That’s the kind of warming we can live with!

November 3rd, 2023

How Hawaii Did It - Roadmap to a Renewable Future

Failing to take action will render our planet uninhabitable. But HOW do we do it? Is there a model we can use to show others how it's done? Yes there is!

Hawaii started deliberating over whether and how to transition to 100% renewable energy in 2009, and in 2015, passed the first U.S law mandating that the state make a 100% renewable-energy transition.

It's time to take notes. Hear from Hawaii State Senator Chris Lee, how he worked together with key stakeholders to mandate that Hawaii transition to 100% renewable energy by 2045.

September 1st, 2023

The Climate Conversation

With “climate change” being a hot-button phrase that brings backlash and even death threats, how can reporters and meteorologists do their job — ensure that the public is engaged and informed?

Join us on September 1st where renowned meteorologist Chris Gloninger,  Lauren Casey, and John Morales come together to describe the challenges the media faces when reporting on climate change, and envision how the media can bridge the gap between scientists and the public to drive climate literacy and shape an informed climate future.

July 7th, 2023

Fighting Climate Change with a Fork

Our fork is the greatest weapon against climate change. So says Nora LaTorre, CEO of Eat REAL. Nora is a food systems expert and sustainability leader who's on a mission to make our next generation healthier.

We are delighted to welcome her as our First Friday guest on July 7. Joining her is Sonia Hunt, an author and health and wellness expert.

May 5th, 2023

The Hanford Dilemma: The Untold Story of America's Most Toxic Place

Watch our webinar featuring two leading experts in their fields: author and journalist Joshua Frank and world-renowned communications expert Dr. Peter Andersen. The webinar, titled "The Hanford Dilemma: The Untold Story of America’s Most Toxic Place,"took take place on May 5th at 11:30 am PST / 2:30 pm EST.

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