The 2020 pandemic has underscored the critical need for local economic developers to adapt and guide communities through recovery. As the global economy struggles, their ability to innovate and lead is more vital than ever in navigating new business landscapes.

Jon Maynard, President and CEO of the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation (EDF) in Mississippi, offers a timely approach. He advocates for creating economic development by supporting local ecosystems rather than subsidizing large industrial locations, aiming to raise per capita income. This perspective was shared at a TEDx event. Learn more at ted.com/tedx.

Shyamal Majumdar, former Head of UNESCO-UNEVOC, stresses the critical importance of 'greening' education and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for a sustainable future. Drawing from his extensive experience, he proposes five key approaches to transform educational institutions.

A retired UN staff member, engineer, and thought leader, Majumdar works at the intersection of academia, civic society, and policy. He currently advises various boards and develops sustainable model villages in India and Spain, leveraging skills to achieve SDG goals in rural transformation.

This presentation was given at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Bertrand Piccard, the visionary behind Solar Impulse—the first airplane to fly around the world without fuel—launched the #1000 SOLUTIONS initiative through the Solar Impulse Foundation. This project aims to present energy innovations to decision-makers, fostering more ambitious energy policies and environmental targets.

In his TEDxKiteInsights Countdown talk, as #1000 SOLUTIONS nears completion, Piccard reflects on insights gained regarding climate innovation culture and the potential to unite stakeholders to fast-track clean energy solutions.

This TEDx event was independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

From notebooks to bubble wrap, packaging materials are ubiquitous. This raises critical questions: what happens to these items after use, how much is recyclable, and what becomes of non-recyclable waste?

Divya Tiwari, CEO of Saahas, an environmentalist developing sustainable waste management solutions, delves into these issues. Her talk explores "going beyond the recycling bubble," addressing the challenges and possibilities of waste management.

This insightful discussion was presented at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Explore groundbreaking developments in recognizing the legal rights of nature, including efforts by Indigenous communities to draft and adopt such laws. This bold approach, treating nature as a living entity with legal rights, offers a revolutionary path to protect the planet, enabling courts to enforce the rights of rivers, mountains, and forests.

Hear directly from communities on the front lines mobilizing to build a new environmental law system. Featuring insights from Mari Margil and Thomas Linzey of the Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights, alongside Guy Reiter, Executive Director of Menikanaehkem – Community Rebuilders.

In 2018, scientists warned we have until 2030 to halve global emissions to avoid irreversible climate tipping points. Yet, that same year, Exxon aimed to increase oil and gas sales by 25% by 2030. This panel will explore three strategic approaches to target oil majors' bottom line and social license, aiming for an orderly wind-down of the fossil fuel industry within two decades and rapid growth of a clean energy economy.

Hosted by Rick Reed, Philanthropic Advisor, the panel features Sarah Thomas, Senior Advisor to the Funder Collaborative on Oil and Gas, and Rebekah Hinojosa, Sierra Club's Gulf Coast Campaign Representative.

Philosopher Chef Lynn Ahn explores how to reconcile the desire for comforting meals with ethical practice. She addresses the challenge of our inherent fears and desires pushing us away from "harmless" food, seeking to create dishes that satisfy the body and five senses.

Ahn's work focuses on realizing the seemingly contradictory values of "consolation of desire" and "ethical practice" at our table. This talk, presented at a TEDx event, delves into her unique attempts to achieve this balance. Learn more at ted.com/tedx.

Technological advancements have transformed our world, yet the culinary field often seems to lag. Hyun-woo Kim is changing this by applying 3D printing to food, aiming to create a new food culture.

Kim developed 'Yolilo,' Korea's first 3D food printer. He believes this technology can stimulate shared experiences and digitalize food, bringing new meaning and value to our dining.

This innovative journey was shared at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

The alarming rise of discarded face masks and other imperishable waste demands innovative solutions. During lockdown, Binish Desai, known as "The Recycle Man" and a Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honoree, developed "Brick 2.0" to tackle the growing volume of PPE waste.

Desai's Eco Eclectic Technologies recycles domestic and industrial waste into useful resources, deflecting over 3,500 metric tons of carbon emissions. He also founded Ecolite Studio, a socio-economic platform empowering rural women. Recognized as a 'Waste Warrior' and a Rotary International awardee, his entrepreneurial spirit addresses critical environmental and social challenges. This information was shared at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Food authority Mark Bittman explores how industrialized food production has driven global health crises and climate change. He offers a panoramic view of this history, explaining how we can rescue ourselves from modern missteps.

With over three decades in global food culture and policy, Bittman is known for his "How to Cook Everything" series and thirty-plus books, including Animal, Vegetable, Junk. A fellow at Yale and on Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health faculty, he also edits The Mark Bittman Project and has received multiple James Beard and IACP Awards.

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Just as you'd stop a flood's source before mopping, tackling problems "upstream" means addressing their root cause. In a circular economy, upstream innovation prevents issues like waste from ever occurring.

This approach offers significant benefits. For instance, shifting 20% of plastic packaging to reuse represents a $10 billion opportunity, benefiting both the environment and economy.

Explore cutting-edge upstream innovations combating plastic pollution. We'll feature Apeel, extending produce life without single-use plastic, and Enviu, sharing reuse projects from Indonesia to the Netherlands.

Climate change denial has evolved from overt rejection of scientific consensus to more subtle, passive forms. This talk explores these pervasive, passive denials, emphasizing that recognizing them is key to moving towards daily climate solutions.

Patrick Belmont, a river scientist and dad, presents this talk. He applies his expertise to pressing environmental issues, from river dynamics to wildfire impacts, and is deeply committed to addressing climate change.

This TEDx event talk offers insights into tackling climate change. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Dialogue 7 of "Reconciling Ways of Knowing," titled "Connecting Spiritually with the Land and Each Other," featured Elder Dr. Dave Courchene, Grandmother Katherine Whitecloud, and Dr. Blair Stonechild, moderated by Shaunna Morgan Siegers, MSc. They discussed the essential spiritual connection between people and the land, a foundational Indigenous understanding often absent from dominant worldviews influencing Canadian environmental policy.

This session explored the fundamental connection to the world and each other, emphasizing its spiritual dimension for Indigenous Peoples, maintained through ceremonies. Convenors Miles Richardson, OC, Dr. David Suzuki, and Dr. Nancy Turner later shared insights, followed by audience Q&A. The dialogue originally aired on Tuesday, January 26.

Southern Nevada is increasingly known for its solar energy production, not just casinos. With the development of high-capacity energy storage, its importance as a renewable energy hub is further elevated. Amy Lahav, a 20-year veteran in environmental and renewable energy, has been instrumental in this growth.

As Senior Project Manager at NV Energy, Amy has procured over 2 gigawatts of solar and 690 megawatts of battery storage for Nevada's customers. She also pioneers new technologies, establishing evaluation tools and facilitating partnerships with emerging tech companies.

Amy's insights were shared at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Tulika Nahar's TEDxYouth@DAA talk focused on climate change, outlining communication strategies to compel action rather than avoidance. The event's theme, "Yallah!" (Arabic for "go"), encouraged pushing for change locally or globally, embodying a positive forward momentum despite restrictions.

Unlike previous years, this TEDx event was held entirely on Zoom due to COVID-19 precautions. Despite technical challenges, the TEDxYouth@DAA team successfully delivered a unique and impactful event.

TEDx events are independently organized using the TED conference format. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Michael Boyko advocates for urgent action on global water scarcity, emphasizing the critical balance between increasing demand and diminishing natural replenishment. His extensive expertise spans water use in heavy industries like manufacturing, power, and mining, where he applies electrochemical technologies and process equipment solutions.

As the founder of Dynamic Water Technologies (DWT), Michael developed innovative treatment methods that conserve water, reduce chemical additives, and offer cost savings over traditional approaches. DWT's time-tested solutions are implemented worldwide. Michael, who holds a BS in Finance from Arizona State University, regularly consults with global industries. This talk was delivered at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Henderson, Nevada's conservation and sustainability plan offers a global model, having successfully reduced the city's carbon dioxide impact by 40%. Environmental Manager Christene Klimek, who launched a city-wide environmental management program in 2018, led the "Green Team" in implementing these innovative changes.

Klimek brings extensive experience, including 15 years as an environmental advisor at NV Energy, where she supported compliance and spearheaded sustainability reporting. She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology from Gonzaga University and a Master of Science in environmental policy and management from the University of Denver. This talk was given at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

This inspirational talk offers an optimistic outlook on winning the battle against climate change. It explores how leveraging technology learning rates can create a better future, reflecting on past successes and outlining a path forward. This is a call to action and optimism.

Fredrik, an independent author and RWE regional lead (Europe), is passionate about energy, environmental issues, and politics. His contagious knowledge inspires reflection on our present and the future we can build.

This talk was presented at a TEDx event. Learn more at ted.com/tedx.

The plant-based food sector has exploded, yet many still prefer real meat. What if plant-based alternatives tasted identical? Chef Gustav Johansson argues this shift is already happening.

In his TEDx talk and cook-along, Johansson demonstrates how closely mimicking animal-based dishes, like a burger and shake, is crucial for a swift transition to a sustainable diet.

A renowned cookbook author and award-winning blogger, Gustav Johansson simplifies tasty vegetarian food. This talk was given at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically reshaped the Bay Area's tech and innovation economy. While some companies adopt permanent remote work, others have folded, and many tech employees have relocated. These shifts raise critical questions about the region's future economy.

Join us for the first in a series of conversations exploring San Francisco's post-pandemic economy. This event features Jennifer Stojkovic (sf.citi) and Ahmad Thomas (Silicon Valley Leadership Group), moderated by Sean Randolph (Bay Area Economic Institute). Tune in Thursday, March 18, at 9:30 AM PDT.

For more details, to support our work, or to explore other events, visit [commonwealthclub.org](https://www.commonwealthclub.org/covid19support). Connect with us on social media.