Endangered Blanding's turtle hatchlings begin their journey into the wild. These turtles can live 80 years, but their population is critically threatened by predation, disease, habitat destruction, and human collection.

In 2011, a Center petition secured CITES protection for Blanding's turtles. The Center, joined by renowned scientists like E.O. Wilson, further petitioned in 2012 for U.S. Endangered Species Act protection for the turtle and 52 other threatened amphibians and reptiles.

While not yet federally protected in the U.S., Blanding's turtles are safeguarded by state laws in several states.

Thaalavattam is a collaborative music project founded by environmentalist and musician Montry Manuel. Based in Austria, Montry crafts unique instruments from discarded materials like industrial waste, paint cans, and bicycle parts. Its motto, "Reduce Reuse Retune," embodies the vision to "CLEAN THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH MUSIC," drawing inspiration from nature, everyday life, and found objects.

Montry, a former art director and founding member of the Indian band Swarathma, launched Thaalavattam ("A Circle of Rhythm") in 2011, creating music from found objects. Thaalavattam gained international recognition as the first live act from India at Hungary's O.Z.O.R.A. Music Festival (2014-2016). They have since performed at TEDx Vienna and numerous European festivals, blending innovative sound with environmental advocacy. Learn more about TEDx events here.

In her talk, environmental activist Sumaira Abdulali recounts how resilience guided her through challenges in both life and advocacy. She has dedicated her life to fighting injustice, pioneering policy changes against issues like sand mining and noise pollution.

As the founder of 'Awaaz Foundation' and Convenor of MITRA, Abdulali actively raises global awareness about harmful environmental practices and promotes wildlife conservation. Her work, featured in numerous documentaries and press coverages, reaches thousands.

This inspiring talk was delivered at an independently organized TEDx event. Learn more about TEDx here.

North Atlantic right whales are critically endangered, with only about 400 individuals remaining. Fatal ship strikes and fishing gear entanglements are primary threats, causing deaths to outnumber births. Oceana Canada advocates for mandatory speed limits in key passages like the Cabot Strait to prevent further fatalities.

Oceana's Ship Speed Watch is an innovative tool that monitors ship speeds and positions in whale habitats along the East Coast. Utilizing AIS data, it displays restriction zones, emphasizing how enforced speed limits can prevent deadly collisions—a leading cause of whale injury and death.

Access Oceana Canada's full report: oceana.ca/RightWhaletoSave. Learn more about Oceana's binational campaign: www.oceana.org/RightWhaletoSave.

Rick Rybeck of Just Economics delivered a brief presentation to the Center for State Innovation, addressing the concepts of smart and dumb growth.

He highlighted "value capture" as a key technique. This method aims to fund infrastructure and create jobs, while simultaneously making housing more affordable and promoting sustainable development.

For further reading, see ShelterForce.

Sarah, an ELHS senior and future URI Ocean Engineering major, explores the often-overlooked human impact of plastic pollution. She begins with a brief history of plastic production, then highlights the pervasive issue of microplastics, exemplified by the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Her main focus is on how plastic pollution directly affects human health. She concludes by offering actionable solutions to combat plastic waste and promote ocean conservation. This talk was presented at an independently organized TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Danat Tekie's TEDxUiO talk, "Demystifying 'sustainability'," explores youth as a driving force for a sustainable future and encourages self-reflection. It's a must-watch for anyone seeking clarity on sustainability.

Danat, an "earthpreneur" passionate about making sustainability business as usual, is Chief External Relations for Young Sustainable Impact (YSI). YSI solves global sustainability challenges by fostering youth entrepreneurship and innovation, creating impact startups. She previously helped build Future Leaders Global, a leading youth leadership program in the Nordics.

This talk was presented at an independently organized TEDx event. Learn more at ted.com/tedx.

Shaylan Kolodney, a junior Environmental Science student at Skidmore College, shares her unique thoughts on climate change. Her environmental passion ignited in high school after successfully campaigning to ban polystyrene in her cafeteria, an effort that later inspired her hometown's sustainable business practices.

Currently, Shaylan researches carbon farming at Caney Fork Farm. She also studied in Bhutan, investigating factors contributing to the rapid dieback of the Himalayan Blue Pine. Deeply interested in understanding humanity's role in the environment, she is driven to make a positive global impact.

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

À l’occasion de la Journée nationale des peuples autochtones, les ministres Bennett, Miller et Vandal ont participé à une table ronde. Ils étaient accompagnés de l'Aîné anishinaabe Dr David Courchene, de la gardienne du savoir métisse et crie Maria Campbell, et de la professeure et Aînée inuite Dre Karla J. Williamson.

Cette vidéo est la première d'une conversation en deux parties, abordant divers sujets importants pour les peuples autochtones au Canada.

Regardez la vidéo ici : https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/fra/1592679613361/1592679634590

The Portland Interfaith Clergy Resistance hosted a prayer vigil at Terry Schrunk Plaza on Juneteenth, commemorating emancipation from slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865, and reflecting on George Floyd's murder on May 25, 2020.

This film observes 8 minutes, 46 seconds of silence, symbolizing the fatal time Mr. Floyd was unable to breathe due to Minneapolis police actions that violated department policies. Viewers are encouraged to reflect during this period.

Participating clergy included Rabbi Ariel Stone (PDX Interfaith Clergy Resistance), Rev. Jon Aney (United Church of Christ), Rabbi Debra Kolodny (Portland United Against Hate), Rev. Aric Clark, and Rabbinical Student Davina Bookbinder.

Over 8 million tons of plastic pollute our oceans annually, devastating wildlife, beaches, and ecosystems. The facilities producing this plastic, often in low-income areas, also poison local air and water.

This week's conversation will address fighting plastic pollution at its source. We'll discuss the industry's planned production increase, our strategies to stop it, and why recycling isn't a viable solution.

The presentation features Julie Teel Simmonds, Senior Attorney, and Delia Ridge Creamer, Oceans Campaigner, from the Center.

Fourteen-year-old Asha O'Reilly encourages families to adopt meatless dinners as a positive collective climate action. She addresses Americans' strong association with meat, advocating for simple changes at the dinner table to combat the macro-level impacts of industrial meat production.

Asha, a 9th-grade expert on the meat industry, delivered a TEDx talk on this topic, empowering families to be part of the solution. Learn more about TEDx events: https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Leonard Vuylsteke believes we must reinvent our approach to climate change, the 21st century's greatest challenge. Inspired by climate economist Bjørn Lomborg's work, he advocates for technology as the primary solution to these complex issues.

Addressing skepticism about current climate policies, Vuylsteke offers alternative solutions. His views, shaped by Lomborg's cost-benefit analysis, emphasize worldwide discussions on modern problems. This talk was presented at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Assista ao vídeo para entender como usar o Circulytics, a ferramenta de medição de circularidade mais abrangente e acessível. Ela apoia empresas na transição para a economia circular, independentemente do setor, complexidade ou porte.

Além de avaliar produtos e fluxos de materiais, o Circulytics revela o nível de circularidade em todas as operações da empresa. Para isso, utiliza o mais amplo conjunto de indicadores disponíveis, incluindo facilitadores e resultados.

Fifteen-year-old So Sato from Japan is concerned about rising sea levels and their impact on his country and other unprepared nations. He questions how his generation will bear the future costs and challenges of coastal flooding.

In his TEDx talk, Sato highlights the experiences of Japanese citizens facing recent natural disasters and explores solutions for safety. This independently organized event provides a platform for local communities to discuss critical issues. Learn more at ted.com/tedx.

Seventeen-year-old ski champion Erik Hennenfent connects climate change to the devastation of ski communities and fears its impact on competitive and recreational skiing. He highlights how warming temperatures threaten the natural beauty of winter snow and the future of his sport.

Erik's TEDx talk, independently organized but following the TED format, explores these impacts and discusses how communities can fight back. Learn more at ted.com/tedx.

Grace West, an 18-year-old community and climate leader, effectively uses empirical social science research to influence policy within her church and broader community. Her innovative approach helped her forge a significant role in climate action.

Her TEDx talk highlights how young people can gain respect and a voice by conducting value-added research that impacts policy development. This presentation was delivered at an independently organized TEDx event. Learn more about TEDx at ted.com/tedx.

Sofia Statsny, a 13-year-old climate activist and competitive skater, advocates for reducing material consumption. She shares her personal journey of curbing overconsumption, particularly focusing on clothing expenditures.

Her TEDx talk highlights the importance of consumers reducing their spending on goods. This talk, part of an independently organized TEDx event, encourages a shift away from excessive consumerism. Learn more about TEDx events here.