Smithsonian Story
The Smithsonian's Life on a Sustainable Planet initiative envisions a future in which humanity lives in balance with the natural world. The health of our planet and all living things are undeniably linked. Our scientists and researchers are working every day to understand the science behind our connected world and discover solutions to protect animals and ecosystems, mitigate the impact of climate change, investigate the connections between human health, the health of our communities, and all life on our planet.
Environmental Justice
Social movements have defined America's history, and for many, the environment has been a central focus. The Environmental Justice movement, for one, focuses on ensuring all people have access to clean water, air, and a healthy natural environment. The Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum launched the Center for Environmental Justice on Earth Day of 2023.
Connecting Communities and Nature
How do you feel connected to nature? Understanding our place in nature can help us create a world where all life on Earth can thrive.
Human and Animal Health
Human and animal health go hand in hand. Not only do we share many of the same needs for survival, we share many of the same illnesses. The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s Global Health Program and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center’s Interconnected Health Initiative research questions about nature that can help improve public health. Smithsonian collections also play a role—the National Museum of Natural History houses the largest mosquito collection in the world, which researchers use to study mosquito-borne illnesses. And the National Museum of American History studies the history of infectious disease and our response to it.
Human Impacts on the Environment
Individual and community-wide actions of humans impact the environment on a small and large scale. From human-caused climate change to pollution and habitat destruction. Measuring these impacts and ecosystem baselines are an important part of tracking impacts and thinking about solutions.
