TED Community » Christina Thommes

Comments

• TEDCred score: +0.40 TEDCred reflects your contribution to the TED community.

• A reply on Conversation: From ivory tower to prison cell: How can we bring conservation efforts to the public?

  Jun 7 2012: I completely agree with you. The best way to inspire someone to act throughout their life time is to educate them at an early age in ways that are both fun and informative. It is important that the subject be continued until the end of high school in order to reinforce its significance and the need for change in human action.

• A reply on Conversation: Do zoos help biodiversity conservation?

  Jun 7 2012: Stephanie,
  I'm curious to know how you think zoos could make learning about the animals more attractive. I've only really been to one zoo, but I thought they did a great job making learning enjoyable. When I was a kid I went to a lot of day classes that had some sweet activities and and overnight events that all focused on learning about the zoo, the endangered animals and conservation.
  
  I do agree with you that more of a focus needs to be put on the animal's niche and importance in the ecosystem. I think the big picture is often left out and there is so much more that people need to know besides how pretty the animal is and where its species originates.

• A reply on Conversation: From ivory tower to prison cell: How can we bring conservation efforts to the public?

  Jun 6 2012: I think addressing religion in some communities is an interesting idea. As a Christian, I find it odd that people would take our dominion over the earth to mean trash the planet. I was raised with the idea that our dominion meant we have a responsibility to steward the Earth and care for all of the organisms living on the planet. I think addressing this issue in some areas where religious people may be more close-minded to the idea of conserving biodiversity may aid in increasing public support. I would be wary of what tactics would be used, however. Often members of the scientific community scoff at people with faith, thinking they are all completely ignorant and foolish. My fear is that by addressing this aspect, the wrong tone or words would turn more people off to the idea. The best groups to reach out to may be the youth and young adults. College and high school students are likely to be the most responsive and willing to undertake serious conservation projects.

• A comment on Conversation: Do zoos help biodiversity conservation?

  Jun 6 2012: The beauty of zoos is their ability to educate the public about the animals, what it means to be endangered, and the necessity of conservation. I think zoos are able to demonstrate the urgency and the necessity of action in a very real and inspiring way. As for showcasing the animals, it is important that it is done in a natural way, meaning that enclosures should allow visibility by guests while reflecting the organism's natural habitat.
  
  However, I don't think the work ends there. Zoos should absolutely have a focus on conservation beyond their location. While some animals are able to thrive in captivity, it cannot replace the species' natural habitat. Also, with the low success rate of reintroduction, it is clear that captive breeding programs will not be enough to sustain populations in the wild. It's important to work in the field to preserve ecosystems, biodiversity, and these focal endangered species. Zoos are aware of this need, and most do have conservation and restoration programs outside of the location. For instance, the Oregon Zoo works to restore native populations of a number of species from California condors to the Oregon spotted frog.
  
  As for which focal area is most important, I would say they should be about equal. However, the care of the animals in captivity should always be the first priority when allocating time or funding. These organisms are fully dependent on zoos and keepers and the institution has a responsibility to meet their needs.
• +1

  A reply on Conversation: Do extremist tactics push environmentalism forwards or backwards?

  Jun 6 2012: I agree with you, Emil. Extremists often omit the informational piece during their protests and actions. True, people may understand what they are fighting, say animal cruelty or hunting, but their reasoning is often left out. It's one thing to take a stand for what you believe in with extreme action, but in order to initiate real change you need public support. Very few people will stand behind a person with crazy tactics if they can't or don't explain the issue and the reasons for their actions.

• A reply on Conversation: Do extremist tactics push environmentalism forwards or backwards?

  Jun 2 2012: I don't agree with extremist tactics, however, they might be necessary in some instances. They certainly draw attention to themselves and the issue at hand. Their methods might be useful for creating awareness about a particular issue and inspire some people to take action in a similar or perhaps less extreme way. That being said, they can also draw attention in a negative way and turn people off to environmentalism all together.

• A reply on Conversation: If green roofs were mandatory in cities would there be less development and building?

  May 31 2012: I think a small tax break for including a green roof is a good idea. The major difficulty is deciding on an amount that will entice businesses without significantly reducing tax revenue. Regardless, it could be a great transition point, allowing people to see the benefit of green roofs as a typical building component without initiating a mandate just yet.

• A reply on Conversation: Should shark fishing be banned?

  May 29 2012: I agree that a global ban is unreasonable and I think that regional bans may not be the best approach either. However, the practice needs to be regulated more intensely at a regional and global scale. Finning is cruel and absolutely wasteful. One approach could be to set a cap on shark fishing that would vary based on abundance, with strict regulations on treatment. The sharks that are hunted for their fins would be euthanized before they are removed and their bodies sent elsewhere for medical research or some other purpose.

• A reply on Conversation: Should shark fishing be banned?

  May 25 2012: I think a cultural change would need to come first, beginning with education and then enforcing a ban. Placing a ban on a good with high demand is not going to inspire people to research the methods. If people are informed about the practice of finning, they may be more inclined to initiate and support a ban on the practice and maybe eliminate shark hunting all together.

• A reply on Conversation: If green roofs were mandatory in cities would there be less development and building?

  May 24 2012: There is a restaurant in Portland, Noble Rot, that is supported by a rooftop garden. I have not had the chance to go there, but I hear they're doing quite well and the food is delicious. There is so much potential for the idea of mandating green roofs. They would benefit the environment and reduce long term energy costs of the building. They could be used to grow crops for restaurants, private homes, and the general public. The produce could be used to support the occupants of the building or be sold at a market. Needless to say, the benefits absolutely outweigh the cost.