Beaming Speakers From the 20th Annual Bioneers Conference

These visionaries are already creating the healthy, diverse, and more equitable world we want to live in—our legacy for future generations. Connect with engaged bioneers, who are making a real difference.

At the Three Rivers Bioneers conference, we will screen live via satellite these compelling speakers.  Be a part of history as these luminaries gather to share their breakthrough solutions.

Andrew Weil M.D. is the nation’s foremost authority on holistic medicine. Drawing from his newest book, Why Our Health Matters: A Vision of Medicine That Can Transform Our Future, Dr. Weil will illustrate the critical link between human and environmental health, and transforming the healthcare system to heal the planet.

Michael Pollan is an award-winning author of bestsellers including The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals. As one of the most influential thinkers on food and agriculture, Pollan will highlight the widespread consequences of our current food system and the growing movement to change it

Joanna Macy is a celebrated Buddhist teacher, eco-philosopher and activist in the peace, justice, and ecology movements. Macy is the author of noted books including Coming Back to Life: Practices to Reconnect Our Lives, Our World, and most recently, World as Lover, World as Self. Macy will explore the modern day "fear factor" that chains human creativity and freedom.

Jerome Ringo is the president of the Apollo Alliance, and the first African-American to head a major conservation organization, the National Wildlife Federation. Ringo will stress the imperative of creating fair jobs that are healthy for people and the planet.

Almir Narayamoga Surui is an environmentalist, political activist and tribal chief, who has spent more than 15 years fighting for the survival of his Surui tribe and the Amazon Rainforest. Chief Almir will tell the story of how he connected with Google Earth and used their technology to protect his people and preserve their forests.

Sarah James is an Gwich’in elder from Arctic Village, Alaska and Goldman Environmental Prize winner for her work protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Sarah James will illustrate the devastating impact climate change is having on her people and how they are responding to the crisis.

Arturo Sandoval is one of New Mexico’s most prominent civil leaders. Sandoval will explore how to find the balance between ancient indigenous cultures and newer Western influences that impact land and life, to create a viable future for us all.

Lily Yeh is an internationally celebrated artist and the founder of Barefoot Artists, Inc. Yeh will explain how art can heal the environment as well as the hearts and minds of traumatized communities.

Brock Dolman is a founding member of Occidental Arts and Ecology Center and the director of their water institute. Dolman will explain the urgency to restore natural habitats and educate communities in preparation for the climate changes that lie ahead.

Kari Fulton is a Brower Youth Award winner and national campus campaign coordinator for the Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative. Fulton will describe how youth in America are fostering a more unified and inclusive environmental movement for the 21st century.

Jack D. Hidary is the co-founder of SmartTransportation.org and chair of AmericansforCleanEnergy.org. Hidary will explore the social, political and economic implications of transitioning to renewable energies.

Jensine Larsen is the founder of World Pulse Media. Larsen will share the story of her journey in building an interactive global media enterprise that empowers women worldwide to speak out and collaborate with one another to solve global issues to create a better world.

Mari Margil is the Associate Director of the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund. Margil discusses her role in the groundbreaking decision to include ecosystem rights in the new Ecuadorian constitution.

Jason McLennan is the CEO of Cascadia Green Building Council and a leading figure in the green architecture movement. McLennan will show breathtaking examples of building designs that reduce energy by mimicking nature.

Annie Leonard is the writer and host of the internet film, The Story of Stuff, viewed by over 6 million people around the world since its launch in December 2007. Annie currently coordinates the non-profit Story of Stuff Project, based in Berkeley, and is working on additional films and projects.