TED Explained

TEDx Countdown to Climate Conference

In response to a request from Chris Thornton, we recently published an article about an online Countdown to Climate conference organised by an organisation called TED.

Because of time constraints, we were not able to describe this organisation at that time. Taken directly from their website www.ted.com they describe themselves as follows:-

ABOUT TED

TED is a nonpartisan nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks. TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, and today covers almost all topics -- from science to business to global issues -- in more than 110 languages. Meanwhile, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world.

'Countdown' is a global TED initiative to champion and accelerate solutions to the climate crisis. The TEDxNantwich Countdown event was a mix of talks about the global Countdown initiative, about Sir David Attenborough and Prince William's Earthshot prize, and about climate crisis solutions being promoted and researched by local businesses and colleges: wetlands as the superheroes of the natural world helping to control climate (Bangor University), crickets as a source of sustainable protein (Protein Rebel, Church Minshull), research into how biochar in livestock feed can reduce methane emissions (Reaseheath College), and hydrogen the green fuel of the future (Storengy, Northwich).

One of Sir David Attenborough's recent maxims is "don't waste anything!". I am sure we all have now done our best with low-power light bulbs (the ones that work!) and fill up our recycling bins, but I am sure that there is much more for us all to do. Indeed the Countdown conference ended by urging participation in the 'Count Us In' project https://www.count-us-in.org which is asking citizens everywhere to take practical steps to reduce their carbon impact, persuade others to do the same, and challenge leaders to act boldly to deliver global systems change.

I hear on the grapevine that several Audlem groups have come together to launch something similar right here in our village -- look out for news on Audlem Online!

In the meantime, if you are self-isolating or for some other reason have time on your hands, there are five hours of TED's global Countdown launch on YouTube to keep you entertained! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dVcn8NjbwY&t=18s