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Natural History Museum relaunches Generation Hope: Act for the Planet

Between 7-10 February, the NHM will be hosting a series of free events curated in partnership with scientists and young people from around the world to drive positive change for a global future.

On a mission to ‘create advocates that are informed, confident, and motivated to make wise decisions, get involved, and use their influence and actions to drive positive change for the planet’s future,’ the Natural History Museum’s annual programme, Generation Hope: Act for the Planet, is back for round two.

The event, which will take place between 7-10 February, aims to inspire youth to play an active part in preserving the Earth.

It’s doing so with a series of free workshops, panels, and talks curated in partnership with scientists and young people from around the world.

Intended to be approachable and accessible, the programme comprises a host of activities (both online and in-person) that will demystify some of the issues at the root of the environmental crisis and demonstrate the possible routes forward that young people can take.

From getting to grips with the science behind our current climate emergency and understanding its far-reaching impacts, to strengthening skills and tackling eco-anxiety, there are numerous options available to attendees seeking to foster more knowledge – no matter where they are on their journey.

‘The Natural History Museum’s mission is to create advocates that are able to comprehend, connect with and communicate about the state of our world today, and to make wise decisions that can help to drive positive change for the planet’s future,’ says NHM director, Dr Doug Gurr. ‘By the end of the week, our hope is that everyone participating, namely young people, can commit to one action to better our intrinsic relationship with nature.’

‘As a proud member of Generation Hope’s advisory council, I’m thrilled to be part of a movement that incites curiosity in people’s minds. This program is an invitation for people to explore, learn, and connect with our planet,’ adds climate justice activist, Disha Ravi. ‘I believe that understanding our natural world is essential because it is our responsibility to safeguard it. I invite people of all ages and groups to join this journey of discovery, action and hope, where together, we’ll build a regenerative future for generations to come.

To guarantee that the Natural History Museum is listening to and learning from those on the frontlines of our collective response to the climate crisis, it has established an Advisory Board made up of activists and experts who’ve guided its approach and will be contributing to sessions throughout the week.

Environmentalist Mitzi Jonelle Tan, disability awareness advocate Daphne Frias, Force of Nature’s Kathleen Hamilton, NHM researcher Ken Johnson, Engajamundo’s Larissa Pinto Moraes, and Fridays for Future India’s Disha Ravi are just a few of the incredible individuals involved.

Workshop highlights include: UK biodiversity loss and conservation, how science and evidence are used to inform the UK government’s decisions and how climate policies are developed, the material cost of life online, connecting to nature through creativity, becoming an advocate for the planet, speed networking for those keen to meet like-minded others, and a rundown on how to build resilience, deal with climate emotions, and become a future changemaker that you’ll come away from feeling validated, supported and empowered.

There’s additionally set to be a range of discussions on what the climate crisis is and how people are impacted differently depending on where they are in the world, debunking climate misinformation, exploring indigenous wisdom, tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity breakdown, a conversation with Lira Valencia – the so called Urban Wildlife Queen – and more.

‘With a vision of a future in which both people and the planet thrive, it is uniquely positioned to be a powerful champion for balancing humanity’s needs with those of the natural world,’ reads the official press release.

‘Everyone has the power and potential to take meaningful action for the planet.’

There are limited spaces so booking tickets is essential. Find them here.

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