Google NYC hosted architect William McDonough for a talk on "Design as Optimism" on April 25th, part of Environment Day. Moderated by Mary Davidge, McDonough highlighted design as the first signal

Google NYC hosted architect William McDonough for a talk on "Design as Optimism" on April 25th, part of Environment Day. Moderated by Mary Davidge, McDonough highlighted design as the first signal of human intention, showcasing real-world examples of products and communities designed to make the world better.

A global leader in sustainable development, McDonough champions "more good, rather than less bad" practices. He co-authored *Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things* and co-founded the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. Hailed as "the father of the circular economy" and a "Hero for the Planet" by Time magazine, McDonough's philosophy offers practical, world-changing design solutions.

Boyan Slat, born 1994, is a Dutch inventor and entrepreneur. At 18, after encountering more plastic than fish while diving in Greece, he questioned why ocean pollution couldn't be cleaned. This

Boyan Slat, born 1994, is a Dutch inventor and entrepreneur. At 18, after encountering more plastic than fish while diving in Greece, he questioned why ocean pollution couldn't be cleaned. This inspired him to research plastic pollution, leading to his passive clean-up concept, which he presented at TEDxDelft in 2012.

He founded The Ocean Cleanup, temporarily pausing his aerospace engineering studies to lead a team of approximately 50. His 2017 speech detailed a design breakthrough for the project.

Follow The Ocean Cleanup's progress on their website, Facebook, and Twitter.

James Lovelock, renowned for his Gaia theory, views Earth as a complex, interacting system akin to a single organism. His latest book warns of the planet's current distress.

In a recent

James Lovelock, renowned for his Gaia theory, views Earth as a complex, interacting system akin to a single organism. His latest book warns of the planet's current distress.

In a recent interview, Lovelock delivered a final warning for Earth's future, yet also shared his excitement about an upcoming space trip.

Fewer than 25 red wolves remain in the wild, with five killed by vehicle strikes this year alone in North Carolina. These devastating losses, including that of two-year-old Muppet, highlight the

Fewer than 25 red wolves remain in the wild, with five killed by vehicle strikes this year alone in North Carolina. These devastating losses, including that of two-year-old Muppet, highlight the urgent need for a wildlife crossing to protect this endangered species.

A generous donor has pledged a $2 million match for a Red Wolf Wildlife Crossing Fund. However, we must raise an additional $2 million in matching funds by August 31st to secure crucial federal funding for its construction.

Help secure a safer future for red wolves. Join the campaign and contribute today: biologicaldiversity.org

This episode of "The Brain Health Revolution" features John Robbins, son of the Baskin-Robbins founder. He famously chose to forgo immense wealth, instead pursuing a "deeper American Dream"

This episode of "The Brain Health Revolution" features John Robbins, son of the Baskin-Robbins founder. He famously chose to forgo immense wealth, instead pursuing a "deeper American Dream" focused on a society at peace with its conscience, living in harmony with all life, and practicing compassionate ecosystem stewardship.

A powerful advocate for a sane, ethical, and sustainable future, Robbins has spoken at major conferences, received prestigious honors like the Rachel Carson Award, and appeared on national shows. He co-founded and presides over the Food Revolution Network, which empowers over 600,000 members to transform food systems for healthy people and a healthy planet.

Dr. Bullard, an award-winning author of eighteen books, is a leading expert in environmental and climate justice, sustainable development, and related fields. His seminal work, *Dumping in Dixie*,

Dr. Bullard, an award-winning author of eighteen books, is a leading expert in environmental and climate justice, sustainable development, and related fields. His seminal work, *Dumping in Dixie*, is a standard text. He co-founded the HBCU Climate Change Consortium and directs the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, having previously served as Dean at Texas Southern University.

In 2022, Dr. Bullard received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree *in absentia* from the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, where his commencement address was read to great acclaim. He was welcomed to campus on April 26, 2023, by the Graduate School and Earth Commons.

Published December 2, 2025, by The New Press, "The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late" by Judith Enck, Adam Mahoney, and Beyond Plastics is an

Published December 2, 2025, by The New Press, "The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late" by Judith Enck, Adam Mahoney, and Beyond Plastics is an Amazon Editors' Pick. This powerful investigation reveals plastic's devastating impact on human health and the environment, from poisoned oceans and polluted air to microplastic contamination and environmental racism.

The book critically examines plastic's paradox, challenging the belief that recycling alone can solve the crisis. Instead, it debunks industry claims and emphasizes the urgent need for action, offering practical solutions like a "household waste audit" to empower readers. Learn more at: beyondplastics.org/publications/problem-with-plastic-book (ISBN: 9781620979457).

A special ITU Future Innovators podcast episode, celebrating the 15th International Girls in ICT Day, explores 'AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future.' Host Ellen Taylor speaks

A special ITU Future Innovators podcast episode, celebrating the 15th International Girls in ICT Day, explores 'AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future.' Host Ellen Taylor speaks with Malkia John, a Kenyan engineer, feminist tech advocate, and ITU160 Gender Champion.

Malkia shares her journey, from childhood tech curiosity to founding Sauti Salama. Her platform uses AI and digital tools to strengthen gender-based violence (GBV) response in Kenya. The episode highlights AI for social good, emphasizing local experiences in global tech discussions.

Listen on [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/2kOoZz9UskxulMdyadWlBU?si=fe0d1c42013c4e1a), [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/ch/podcast/itu-future-innovators/id1574552765?l=en-GB&i=1000763037982), or [Soundcloud](https://on.soundcloud.com/IY4XGrGCLcTNOTErha). Explore more about ITU's work for women and girls [here](https://www.itu.int/initiatives/gender-equality/).

From Oscar-nominated filmmakers Betsy West and Oren Jacoby, "This Is Not a Drill" documents three unlikely heroes confronting the powerful fossil fuel industry amidst escalating extreme weather.

From Oscar-nominated filmmakers Betsy West and Oren Jacoby, "This Is Not a Drill" documents three unlikely heroes confronting the powerful fossil fuel industry amidst escalating extreme weather. Justin J. Pearson rallies a multiracial coalition against a crude oil pipeline in Memphis, Roishetta Ozane transforms personal loss into political action in Louisiana, and Sharon Wilson, a former oil insider, exposes invisible methane leaks in Texas.

Backed by John D. Rockefeller's descendants, this coalition uncovers "Big Oil’s Big Con"—an industry promoting fossil fuels while disguising the truth. This Patagonia film showcases how courage, grit, and determination can inspire grassroots victories against powerful forces.

Learn more about Patagonia and discover more films.

Historian Kai Bird's new book, *The Outlier*, offers a definitive account of Jimmy Carter's presidency, detailing his controversial policies and "outlier" status. Bird, a Pulitzer winner, accessed

Historian Kai Bird's new book, *The Outlier*, offers a definitive account of Jimmy Carter's presidency, detailing his controversial policies and "outlier" status. Bird, a Pulitzer winner, accessed private papers and diaries, revealing Carter's humility and self-confidence. The book traces Carter's administration, from domestic agenda to foreign policy, and his battles with Washington over issues like healthcare and inequality.

Join Kai Bird for a fascinating conversation about this often-misunderstood leader. This program, part of The Commonwealth Club's Good Lit series, was held on August 18, 2021, featuring Bird, Dr. Gloria Duffy, and Dr. Mary Bitterman. Explore more programs and events from The Commonwealth Club: YouTube | Events | Watch & Listen.