Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley California overflowed with thousands of activists, scientists, indigenous leaders, politicians, concerned youth, and authors from all over the globe to take part in the annual conference and social phenomena that is the Bioneers.

I cried. I laughed. I grew starry-eyed in the presence of so many intelligent and dynamic humans under one roof. I cried again. Here are some reasons for action and hope that I learned at Bioneers.