As the devastating effects of climate change take hold around the world, young people are demanding action from global leaders and, increasingly, taking action themselves. Ask a teenager or young

As the devastating effects of climate change take hold around the world, young people are demanding action from global leaders and, increasingly, taking action themselves. Ask a teenager or young adult which issues they think are most pressing in the world today, and climate will often top the list.

One of the goals of our Creating Citizens initiative is to provide a forum for youth to meet and learn from peers and civic leaders about the complex and often controversial issues that are important to them. So it is with special pride that we present a panel of young climate activists discussing their own work and the power of youth to address the climate crisis and issues of racial and social injustice around the world.

Join us for this special program! Educators and students who register for this program will receive one free copy of Vanessa’s new book, A Bigger Picture: My Fight to Bring a New African Voice to the Climate Crisis. Special thanks to the Ken & Jaclyn Broad Family Foundation. Additional books may be purchased at the Club’s online bookstore.

NOTES


Vanessa Nakate photo by and copyright Esther-Ruth_Mbabazi.

DECEMBER 1, 2021

SPEAKERS

Samir Chowdhury
Founder and Executive Director, Youth Climate Action Team, Inc.

Vanessa Nakate
Author, A Bigger Picture: My Fight to Bring a New African Voice to the Climate Crisis

Zaria Romero
Climate Generation Delegate, COP26; Junior, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Darren Zook
Professor, Global Studies and Political Science, University of California, Berkeley

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Dr. Halden and his graduate student Charlie discuss our societal addiction to plastic and how YOU can make a difference. Charlie Rolsky ASU Graduate Student and Teaching Assistant in Biology I

Dr. Halden and his graduate student Charlie discuss our societal addiction to plastic and how YOU can make a difference. Charlie Rolsky ASU Graduate Student and Teaching Assistant in Biology I conduct research in Rolf Halden's lab, within Biodesign's Center for Environmental Health Engineering. Here, I work on marine and aquatic microplastics which have emerged as a major source of concern within many ecosystems and environments. Their identification, fate, and impact are only now starting to be understood and we have developed several analytical tools to help improve upon this. We are collaborating with ASU's Fulton School of Engineering on several projects pertaining to microplastics as well as with many groups around the world. I have also worked for several years on using non-invasive research methods to collect species health information. This includes fecal samples from wild species such as killer whales. Through this information, we can gather all kinds of knowledge pertaining to hormonal activity in the realm of stress, reproduction, and overall species health. I have been a TA for over six years and actively participate in science outreach programs aimed at empowering budding scientists from elementary school to high school. I also run a non-profit where we design and sell clothing that have sciencey designs and all proceeds go to various charities from groups that train therapy dogs for at-risk kids to plastic pollution advocacy. Dr. Rolf Halden Professor of Environmental Engineering at ASU Rolf is a Professor of Environmental Engineering at Arizona State University, where he founded and directs the Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering. His research team is studying the consumption, behavior and health status of urban populations around the world via analysis of chemical and biological agents detectable in the urban water cycle. A recent success story of this work is the nationwide ban by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of ineffective, yet harmful antimicrobial compounds, including triclosan and triclocarban, that were commonly formulated into pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Charlie Rolsky ASU Graduate Student and Teaching Assistant in Biology I conduct research in Rolf Halden's lab, within Biodesign's Center for Environmental Health Engineering. Here, I work on marine and aquatic microplastics which have emerged as a major source of concern within many ecosystems and environments. Their identification, fate, and impact are only now starting to be understood and we have developed several analytical tools to help improve upon this. We are collaborating with ASU's Fulton School of Engineering on several projects pertaining to microplastics as well as with many groups around the world. I have also worked for several years on using non-invasive research methods to collect species health information. This includes fecal samples from wild species such as killer whales. Through this information, we can gather all kinds of knowledge pertaining to hormonal activity in the realm of stress, reproduction, and overall species health. I have been a TA for over six years and actively participate in science outreach programs aimed at empowering budding scientists from elementary school to high school. I also run a non-profit where we design and sell clothing that have sciencey designs and all proceeds go to various charities from groups that train therapy dogs for at-risk kids to plastic pollution advocacy. I conduct research in Rolf Halden's lab, within Biodesign's Center for Environmental Health Engineering. Here, I work on marine and aquatic microplastics which have emerged as a major source of concern within many ecosystems and environments. Their identification, fate, and impact are only now starting to be understood and we have developed several analytical tools to help improve upon this. We are collaborating with ASU's Fulton School of Engineering on several projects pertaining to microplastics as well as with many groups around the world. I have also worked for several years on using non-invasive research methods to collect species health information. This includes fecal samples from wild species such as killer whales. Through this information, we can gather all kinds of knowledge pertaining to hormonal activity in the realm of stress, reproduction, and overall species health. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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Christof Koch is a prominent neuroscientist and researcher focused on the neural bases of consciousness and the mechanisms and processes that underlie conscious experience. Born in 1956 in the United

Christof Koch is a prominent neuroscientist and researcher focused on the neural bases of consciousness and the mechanisms and processes that underlie conscious experience. Born in 1956 in the United States to German parents, Koch grew up in Morocco, Germany, and Canada before settling in the U.S. He studied physics and philosophy at the University of Tübingen in Germany, and earned his Ph.D. in biophysics from the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics. Koch's career is distinguished by his extensive research on the brain, particularly the visual cortex, and his development of theories about the nature and mechanisms of consciousness. He has collaborated with notable researchers like Francis Crick, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, and their work has significantly influenced the scientific understanding of consciousness. Koch served as a professor at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) for several decades before becoming the Chief Scientist and President of the Allen Institute for Brain Science, where he has led pioneering research efforts to map, analyze, and understand the brain's complex functions. An influential figure in neuroscience, Koch has authored several books on consciousness and speaks widely on the topic, advocating for a scientifically grounded approach to understanding the mind. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Go Deeper with Big Think: ►Become a Big Think Member Get exclusive access to full interviews, early access to new releases, Big Think merch and more. https://members.bigthink.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=youtube_description ►Get Big Think+ for Business Guide, inspire and accelerate leaders at all levels of your company with the biggest minds in business. https://bigthink.com/plus/great-leaders-think-big/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=youtube_description ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About [Speaker Name]: Bio

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Everything is text. But text comprehension and its impact are the result of many different wavelengths and signals passing by. In this piece, Entrance to the Universe, composer Platons Buravickis

Everything is text. But text comprehension and its impact are the result of many different wavelengths and signals passing by. In this piece, Entrance to the Universe, composer Platons Buravickis plays with electrical signals. The piece is created for an uncommon trio of instruments – the piano, the modular synthesizer, and computer electronics. The piece speaks to nature of communication, how it occurs by passing signals and waves from one being to another, regardless of if they are human, natural, a piano, electronic, or otherwise. They meet in between the generator and the observer, oscillate and modulate, and gain characteristics, rhythm, and melody of their own. Platon Buravicky is a contemporary classical composer, pianist and improviser. Following his studies under the direction of Pēteris Vasks, he received a master’s degree in composition from the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music under professor Selga Mence. Platon has devoted himself to both traditional areas like symphonic and chamber music, as well as electro-acoustic music. This entails composition of both musique concrète as well as works based on the synthesis of sounds from virtual instruments and modular algorithms. He has recently composed a number of works, including “Injector. Впрыск. Sprausla” composed specially for the Berlin philharmonic Sharoun Ensemble, as well as “Techno Opera” in collaboration with librettist Leo Līcis, which reflects Platon’s idea about how music will unite the world. However, Platon’s self-described most significant work of late is “Aesthetics of Disassembly,” which highlights the beauty of audacity and destruction. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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Natural ecosystems are the best technology we have to help cool the planet, but doing so effectively requires an intricate knowledge of the organisms that regulate our climate. By generating a

Natural ecosystems are the best technology we have to help cool the planet, but doing so effectively requires an intricate knowledge of the organisms that regulate our climate. By generating a holistic understanding of Earth’s ecosystems, we transform our ability to understand climate change, and identify the best strategies to address it. With this in mind, Crowther and his team of 25 researchers are looking at ways to digitally explore the biosphere and reveal the true potential of nature-based solutions in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. Advances in data collection and artificial intelligence are revealing more truths about our environment and the seriousness of climate change. At the same time, it’s also helping to find new solutions that harness the power of nature itself. The Crowther Lab research is helping organizations understand the true value of nature, make more informed decisions, and start implementing nature-based solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss. Get ready to discover a new approach to Climate Change. Thomas Crowther, professor of Global Ecosystem Ecology at ETH Zurich and founder of the Crowther Lab is different to most environmental scientists. While most labs in the world focus on one field of research, Crowther firmly believes that to understand the ecological processes that influence climate change, predict its progression with high accuracy, and develop nature-based solutions to address it, we need to take a holistic approach. Specialising in ecosystem ecology, Crowther is also the chief scientific advisor to the UN’s Trillion Tree Campaign. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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The circular economy is more natural than we think. Doctor of Science graduated from the Institute of Geophysics of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). She has carried out research

The circular economy is more natural than we think. Doctor of Science graduated from the Institute of Geophysics of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). She has carried out research in various institutions such as: -Center for Scientific Research for Laboratoire de Géophysique Interne et -Tectonophysique, Université de Savoie; Chambery, France. -Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University; Canberra, Australia. -Sensenada Higher Education, Earth Sciences, Baja California; Mexico. -Physikalisch Vulkanologisches Labor, University of Würzburg; Germany. -Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, US Geological Survey, Hawaii; U.S. -Instituto Nacionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Catania; Italy. She completed her Master's studies (Master's in Volcanology / Geophysics) at the University of Würzburg, Germany and her Doctorate studies (Doctorate in Sciences) at the Institute of Geophysics of UNAM. In the professional environment, she has experience in the industrial field in Munich, Cologne and Hanover, Germany, where she has held the position as a Consultant in the fields of environmental remediation, energy technology, geophysics and chemical analysis. She currently works as a Professor-Researcher at the Faculty of Engineering of the Universidad Panamericana, Campus Aguascalientes, teaching classes in Engineering and languages. Her area of interest is the research and development of engineering projects, Circular Economy including the study of renewable energies and the analysis and treatment of water and soils. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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Why generational pressure is the key to climate change policy? Watch Dan Esty on Big Think New videos DAILY: https://bigth.ink/youtube Join Big Think Edge for exclusive videos:

Why generational pressure is the key to climate change policy? Watch Dan Esty on Big Think New videos DAILY: https://bigth.ink/youtube Join Big Think Edge for exclusive videos: https://bigth.ink/Edge ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DAN ESTY Daniel C. Esty is the Hillhouse Professor of Environmental Law and Policy at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies and the Yale Law School. Known for his innovative policy ideas and commitment to transformative change, Dan served as head of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection from 2011 to 2014. He is the editor of "A Better Planet: 40 Big Ideas for a Sustainable Future." Purchase "A Better Planet: Forty Big Ideas for a Sustainable Future" here: https://bigth.ink/Esty ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRANSCRIPT: The key to progress on environment broadly and on climate change in particular is to change values. I think this has to be understood as in some regards an ethical issue, a moral issue and one has to see it as a wrong to contaminate the planet and to put at risk the future of humanity on the planet. And I think that change is coming and curiously but perhaps not really surprisingly it is coming from young people much more from the generation that’s currently in positions of leadership. Greta and other young people are out there saying to the leaders and political positions of power not only in the United States but across the world step up. You need to do more. And I think we have seen again and again that transformational change is often driven by generational change. And I think it’s almost certainly going to be true on climate change. Fifty years ago if we’d had this interview I’d probably be smoking or maybe smoking a pipe as a professor. That’s so unacceptable now you don’t even have to tell me that I can’t come in and light up a cigarette. Norms have changed. Values have changed. We know now that that’s completely unacceptable and a threat to public health. And I think we’re starting to get there on climate change. Things that might have in the past seemed normal, acceptable, even if they seemed a little bad, a little bit of harm are increasingly totally unacceptable and we therefore have I think the foundation for the kind of generational change and change in values that can really drive us more quickly towards climate change solutions. And in our Better Planet book there’s a really beautiful essay by one of the students at Yale, one of several student essays in this case by a guy named Paul Rink spelling out how young people in particular are starting to drive some of these court cases where they take on both the government and the big energy industry companies and say it’s up to you to make our future secure and you’re not doing the job you need to do. ABOUT BIG THINK: Smarter Faster™ Big Think is the leading source of expert-driven, actionable, educational content -- with thousands of videos, featuring experts ranging from Bill Clinton to Bill Nye, we help you get smarter, faster. S​ubscribe to learn from top minds like these daily. Get actionable lessons from the world’s greatest thinkers & doers. Our experts are either disrupting or leading their respective fields. ​We aim to help you explore the big ideas and core skills that define knowledge in the 21st century, so you can apply them to the questions and challenges in your own life. Other Frequent contributors include Michio Kaku & Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Michio Kaku Playlist: https://bigth.ink/kaku Bill Nye Playlist: https://bigth.ink/BillNye Neil DeGrasse Tyson Playlist: https://bigth.ink/deGrasseTyson Read more at Bigthink.com for a multitude of articles just as informative and satisfying as our videos. New articles posted daily on a range of intellectual topics. Join Big Think Edge, to gain access to an immense library of content. It features insight from many of the most celebrated and intelligent individuals in the world today. Topics on the platform are focused on: emotional intelligence, digital fluency, health and wellness, critical thinking, creativity, communication, career development, lifelong learning, management, problem solving & self-motivation. BIG THINK EDGE: https://bigth.ink/Edge If you're interested in licensing this or any other Big Think clip for commercial or private use, contact our licensing partner, Executive Interviews: https://bigth.ink/licensing ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Big Think here: 📰BigThink.com: https://bigth.ink 🧔Facebook: https://bigth.ink/facebook 🐦Twitter: https://bigth.ink/twitter 📸Instagram: https://bigth.ink/Instragram 📹YouTube: https://bigth.ink/youtube ✉ E-mail: info@bigthink.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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The Energy Innovation Act will improve health and save 4.5 million American lives over the next 50 years by reducing pollution Americans breathe. Dr. Susan Pacheco and CCL Health Action Team

The Energy Innovation Act will improve health and save 4.5 million American lives over the next 50 years by reducing pollution Americans breathe. Dr. Susan Pacheco and CCL Health Action Team Co-Leader, Dr. Lori Byron, will discuss the health community’s growing support for a carbon price. Associated Presentation Slides: Climate Change and Health: The Price of Carbon: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rwSw1ShC5FqoujDTtAwDJ4ctX8NFzLSL/view Susan E. Pacheco, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics, Allergy and Immunology Univ.of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston Dr. Pacheco earned her medical degree at the University of Puerto Rico, and her pediatric residency and fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Dr. Pacheco is an expert in climate change and children’s health. She served in the AAP Executive Committee for the Council on Environmental Health and currently in the Environmental Exposures and Respiratory Health Committee with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Lori Byron, MS, MD Pediatrician CCL Health Action Team Co-leader Dr. Byron, MS, MD, of Hardin MT, practiced pediatrics for 27 years on the Crow Indian Reservation. She co-chairs the Montana Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate with her husband Robert Byron and the CCL Health team with Rob and Lisa DelBuono. She is on the Children’s Health Advisory Committee to the EPA, and organizes the pediatric climate advocates program with the Academy of Pediatrics. She completed a Masters Degree in Energy Policy and Climate in 2020.

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Arnis Sauka has spent years researching the shadow economy and determining its impact. Having developed a methodology, fostered relationships with both business leaders and government officials and

Arnis Sauka has spent years researching the shadow economy and determining its impact. Having developed a methodology, fostered relationships with both business leaders and government officials and measured the impact over time, Arnis may be the first to tell you that the only thing that’s clear is just how complex this truly is. While we tend to consider the shadow economy as something negative, it turns out that there’s more nuance than we might believe. The results may be interpreted differently depending on who you ask, but at least we can know the truth of what’s lurking in the shadows (and how some of it may be even be a good thing). Arnis Sauka is a professor and director of the Centre for Sustainable Business at the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga. Arnis has been extensively involved in applied research for organizations like the OECD and European Commission, among others, and his work has been published in leading international journals and several books. He is co- author of the annual Shadow Economy Index for the Baltic Countries and author of the annual FICIL (Foreign Investors Council in Latvia) Sentiment Index and study on the Shadow Economy in the Construction Industry in Latvia. Arnis has also been involved in management and consultancy activities, including serving as Vice Rector for Studies and Research at Ventspils University College and board member of FICIL and NGO BASE (Business Against the Shadow Economy). He has organized various academic and applied conferences, workshops, seminars, etc., as well as is a frequent speaker in the national media commenting economic and business-related issues. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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