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January 1, 2026
World is in better place than when Eden Project created 25 years ago, founder says
Tim Smit also says extreme political views will fade when people realise good things around the corner
TL;DR
- Sir Tim Smit believes humanity is more attuned to the natural world 25 years after co-founding the Eden Project.
- He views extreme political views as a temporary reaction to fear of the future, which will fade as people see positive developments.
- Smit compares support for parties like Reform UK to a regrettable stag night, predicting a shift towards more moral behavior.
- He argues that despite human tendencies to idealize the past, the present is good and the future will be better, driven by inherent human goodness.
- The Eden Project, opened in 2001, aims to highlight the vital importance of plants for life on Earth and humanity's belonging within the natural world.
- Current environmental perils include wetter winters, arid summers, climate tipping points, damaging consumer culture, and water pollution.
- Smit criticizes the privatization of water as a mistake driven by dogma rather than civic good.
- Hope exists in areas like understanding mycelium for building materials and environmental cleanup.
- Gathering people together, as Eden does through various events, is seen as a positive and hopeful experience.
- Smit advocates for British energy independence as crucial for food security and the nation's ability to regenerate.
- Past criticisms of Smit include remarks about Cornish people and a rejected horticultural center plan.
- The Eden Project has significantly benefited the Cornish economy and plans expansions in Morecambe and Dundee, with an existing 'Oriental Eden' in China.
- Smit now feels joy seeing young people visit Eden and feel 'permission to dream' inspired by nature's patterns.
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