People and the Planet

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river view with power plant in the distance

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.

A group of young mixed-race children stand next to a fire hydrant spraying water.
Race and Our Shared Future

Race and Place

Consider how race and racism have shaped access to safe, healthy public spaces and private living spaces. 
Image of a stage with panelists sitting in chairs.
National Portrait Gallery

The Future of Environmentalism

Watch a conversation about the future of environmentalism and see images from the National Portrait Gallery's exhibition Forces of Nature.

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.

A zoomed-in image of a virus with blue swirls with yellow dots.
National Museum of Natural History

Outbreak

Our world is connected more than ever before—by global travel and trade, by technology, and even by infectious diseases.
Close up image of a brown mosquito.
Smithsonian Education

Mosquito! Community Research Guide

This guide focuses on how to ensure health for all from mosquito-borne disease. 

Forestry and Gardens

Forests are hugely important ecosystems—trees provide much of the oxygen we breathe, host most of Earth’s land-based species, and store large amounts of carbon. The Smithsonian hosts forest research sites all over the world and manages gardens dotting the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Here, we highlight some of the important connections between people and plants.

An aerial view of tree plots of various green colors.
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

BiodiversiTREE

The 60-acre project is North America’s largest tree diversity experiment. 
 
Lush green forest with many trees.
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

GEO-TREES

The Smithsonian has measured tropical forest growth and loss in Panama for decades, and a new initiative will create a freely available and trustworthy global carbon verification system.