Mission: Regeneration

Sustainability is not enough. To repair our damaged ecosystems and climate, we need to redo what Earth got right the first time. It’s time to regenerate the natural world.

From gloom to bloom

In a perfect world, we’d realize that our world is perfect. With very little ego, our humble home planet keeps biodiversity balanced, ecosystems harmonious, and the climate calibrated. Humans? Unfortunately, the least perfect—but luckily, the most clever. And we’re finally onto something: To save the Earth, we have to strengthen the Earth.

When our ecosystems are more intact, healthier, and more biodiverse, they’re more resilient and better able to flex their muscles against left hooks like climate change—and do what they’ve been doing brilliantly for billions of years: nurturing, sustaining, and regenerating life.

Let's get growing

At the Academy, we’re focusing our science superpowers on the ecosystems that need them most: coral reefs, tropical islands, and our very own home state. While the initiatives below are relatively new, they’re already making a splash. See where we’re getting a jumpstart on regeneration:

Coral reefs are in hot water—literally. As climate change heats up our oceans, these ecosystems are at risk of collapse this century. So we’re playing coral matchmaker. As the first US aquarium to spawn baby corals, we’re giving these fragile creatures a fighting chance.

How Hope for Reefs is spawning at the Academy

Islands are oases of biodiversity, thanks to their isolation and unique conditions. They’re also homes for hungry humans—and that combination sometimes breeds conflict. In Madagascar, we’re learning from the locals and cooking up solutions: They’re called crickets, and they’re delicious.

^{Photo: Brian Fisher © California Academy of Sciences}

How Islands 2030 will boost biodiversity globally

California wildfires are growing larger and fiercer. Deep in the Sierras, the Academy and the US Forest Service are collecting data to better understand the relationship between prescribed burns and enhanced biodiversity—and how both can boost forest resilience in the future.

How Thriving California is working on the wild side

Inspired and energized? Bummed and bewildered? You’re in the right place.

We’re here for all the feelings when it comes to regenerating our world—especially curiosity. Embark on a bioblitz, explore our exhibits, and see how diversity, equity, inclusion, and access are central to science. If you’re also feeling generous, you can join our movement by making a donation in any amount to support the above projects, and more. Not ready for philanthropy? Let us enhance your inbox with science (and seahorse GIFs).