Ideas worth spreading

Earth's original inhabitants -- and their role in combating climate change

1,295,354 views | Steven Allison • TEDxUCIrvine

Every environment on the planet -- from forested mountaintops to scorching deserts and even the human gut -- has a microbiome that keeps it healthy and balanced. Ecologist Steven Allison explores how these extraordinarily adaptable, diverse collections of microorganisms could help solve big global problems like climate change and food insecurity -- and makes the case for getting to know Earth's original inhabitants in fascinating ways.

Every environment on the planet -- from forested mountaintops to scorching deserts and even the human gut -- has a microbiome that keeps it healthy and balanced. Ecologist Steven Allison explores how these extraordinarily adaptable, diverse collections of microorganisms could help solve big global problems like climate change and food insecurity -- and makes the case for getting to know Earth's original inhabitants in fascinating ways.

This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxUCIrvine, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

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Volunteer or donate to restore habitat with groups like The Nature Conservancy.

About the speaker

Steven D. Allison

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For Steven Allison, it’s no longer sufficient to just study the natural world -- we must make sure our world stays ecologically sound for generations to come.

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donna davis – artist

Witness the beauty of mixing art and science. Australian artist donna davis creates artworks that capture complexity in the natural world, including fungal rot and conservation in the era of climate change. One stunning work shows a fungus overtaking a bridge in Brisbane.

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Notes from Steve: Leaving this world sustainably

Many burial practices use toxic chemicals and emit lots of greenhouse gases. For a more climate-friendly passing, consider a fungal coffin or mushroom burial suit to help turn your body into useful nutrients.

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This talk was presented to a local audience at TEDxUCIrvine, an independent event. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Read more about TEDx.

Volunteer or donate to restore habitat with groups like The Nature Conservancy.