Ideas worth spreading

The intended consequences of helping nature thrive

1,791,002 views |

Ryan Phelan |

TEDMonterey

• August 2021

From a special black-footed ferret to coral that can withstand warming waters, genetic rescue efforts that use genomics and synthetic biology are helping nature thrive. But despite the huge successes of this kind of intervention, conservation innovator Ryan Phelan points out that fear of unintended consequences often stifles innovation -- risking further extinction. She makes the case for embracing the "intended consequences" of genetic tools that have the power to restore Earth's balance, abundance and biodiversity.

From a special black-footed ferret to coral that can withstand warming waters, genetic rescue efforts that use genomics and synthetic biology are helping nature thrive. But despite the huge successes of this kind of intervention, conservation innovator Ryan Phelan points out that fear of unintended consequences often stifles innovation -- risking further extinction. She makes the case for embracing the "intended consequences" of genetic tools that have the power to restore Earth's balance, abundance and biodiversity.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Join Revive & Restore's effort to innovate the next generation of conservation solutions with "intended consequences."

Learn more about how Revive & Restore's biotechnology can galvanize conservation.

About the speaker

Ryan Phelan

Biotech entrepreneur, conservation innovator

See speaker profile

As cofounder and executive director of Revive & Restore, Ryan Phelan is working to bring biotechnology to conservation.

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This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Join Revive & Restore's effort to innovate the next generation of conservation solutions with "intended consequences."

Learn more about how Revive & Restore's biotechnology can galvanize conservation.