The intended consequences of helping nature thrive | Ryan Phelan
22 September 2021 - 15 minsFrom a special black-footed ferret to coral that can withstand warming waters, genetic rescue efforts that use genomics and synthetic biology are helping nature thrive. But despite the huge successes of this kind of intervention, conservation innovator Ryan Phelan points out that fear of unintended consequences often stifles innovation -- risking further extinction. She makes the case for embracing the "intended consequences" of genetic tools that have the power to restore Earth's balance, abundance and biodiversity.
Series Episodes
The digital detectives preserving the truth of war | Hadi Al Khatib
A lot of today’s war footage is shot on phones and posted to platforms that were never meant to permanently store it. Digital archivist and TED Fellow Hadi Al Khatib founded Mnemonic to save these photos and videos before they vanish. Learn how his team is turning people’s social media posts into evidence of crimes that holds up in court — and building an archive that ensures the truth outlasts the war. (Note: this film contains disturbing footage of war.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
42 mins
14 November Finished
Could this ancient Greek idea make us better citizens? | Scott Reich
More than 2,000 years ago in ancient Athens, young citizens were required to complete “ephebeia,” a two-year civic service program that taught them the laws of the city and how to defend their democracy. Author and historian Scott Reich believes this practice reflects something crucial we often forget: citizens aren’t born — they’re trained. In a hopeful talk, he shares his plan to bring a modern version of this program to the United States and explains why it could benefit everyone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12 mins
13 November Finished
How we’ll actually ditch fossil fuels — by the numbers | Michael Liebreich
Have you heard the clean energy transition is failing? Energy analyst Michael Liebreich says to look again. Using a four-line spreadsheet model of the global energy system, he shows why fossil fuels will inevitably get squeezed out over time — with no bans required. The shift is well underway, he explains: it just looks different than many of us expected. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
14 mins
12 November Finished
How to repair harm — in relationships and nations | Aria Florant
Aria Florant cofounded a nonprofit to help accelerate the reparations movement in the US … but less than a year in, her partnership with her own cofounder fell apart. Drawing on what brought the two of them back together — plus lessons from South Africa, Germany and Colombia — she lays out a four-step process for repairing harm between two people or across an entire nation. Most people think reparations are all about money, she says, but true repair goes far beyond the financial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
17 mins
11 November Finished
Your phone is disgusting. Here's how to clean it | Lotti Tajouri
What’s dirtier: your phone or your hands? Molecular biologist Lotti Tajouri says there’s a gaping hole in our hygiene routine. We scrub our hands clean, then reach right for the phone — a warm, humid and mobile home for bacteria and viruses. He explores the unnervingly vibrant microbial world living on your phone and shows how you can keep this “third hand” clean. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
17 mins
10 November Finished
How to rewire your brain — and find your flow | Heather Berlin
When life gets uncertain, do you grip a little tighter? Neuroscientist Heather Berlin explores a surprising paradox: the harder you try to control everything, the more likely you are to get in your own way. Drawing on brain research and her own struggles with uncertainty, she shares practical ways to let go and make room for creativity, calm and flow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
16 mins
9 November Finished
