The last eighteen months has been a very challenging time here in Australia and across the world. We have experienced the power of nature and the impacts of climate change in many ways – severe drought, extreme bushfires, intense rain and floods, and COVID-19. These challenges have reminded us how interconnected we are with the natural world, and hopefully have been a wake-up call that we need to find a better balance in our way of life.

Much of the news we hear about the environment is negative and scary. It can make us feel helpless, that the problems are too big for us to solve, and this can paralyse us in inaction. The worst thing we can do is do nothing. Leading conservationist Dr Jane Goodall says “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make”. 

Earth Optimism Day is focused on the amazing work being done to address environmental challenges and the inspiring people driving positive change for the world. It is an opportunity to recognise people from all walks of life who are using their skills, experience and passion to tackle environmental challenges big and small and, more importantly, to encourage others through their stories. We can’t all change the world, but we can all make positive changes in our own world that add up to a big collective impact.

Join us on Earth Optimism Day – Thursday 22 April, 2021 – to hear from inspiring speakers at our fun and interactive Soapbox Science event. The event will run from 11am-12.15pm at Taronga Zoo for a series of short stories of hope and to chat with leading conservationists and innovators. The event is free too attend for all Zoo visitors with their entry ticket. 

One of Earth Optimism Day speakers will share insights on innovation at Taronga and the HATCH: Taronga Accelerator Program. Taronga is committed to a shared future for wildlife and people, and we know that innovative solutions are critical to achieving this vision. The HATCH Program is one of the ways we support and promote environmental innovation, to help people with brilliant ideas develop and launch initiatives that positively impact the planet. In 2020 HATCH supported five inspiring sustainability initiatives that can help each of us live a little more in harmony with nature every day, including edible coffee cups, reusable bin bags, and a system to turn dog poo into garden compost. 

The HATCH Program 2021 is currently open for applications and we want to support you and your brilliant ideas! If you have an innovative idea to support our wildlife or the Australian environment, HATCH offers participating teams $25,000 value in program support, $2,000 equity free seed funding, access to experienced mentors and the chance to receive the $50,000 HATCH Grant. Applications close Tuesday 11 May 2021.

We look forward to seeing you on Earth Optimism Day, and to receiving HATCH applications to support your brilliant ideas for the environment! 

If you can’t join us for the event, take the time to learn more about the Earth Optimism Day and HATCH and the amazing initiatives these changemakers are driving. Or, consider what small changes you can make in your life to make a positive difference for wildlife and the environment.