6 TEDTalks that Explain Sustainable Development

Author: Adelaide Columnas

Ending poverty and attaining universal access to education have been spotlighted on the global development stage for many years. However, I can’t help but notice the spotlight shifting towards sustainability, sustainable development, and going green.

Imagine Scholar’s community-driven model places our members at the core of sustainable development in our region.

According to The American Heritage Dictionary (1994) sustain means “to keep existence; maintain” (p.817). When we change it to “sustainable” or more specifically sustainable development, it is a challenge to find an overall concrete definition. There are several components to sustainable development: economic, social, and environmental. So, what do all these concepts mean in regards to sustainability? How does this apply to me? How does that impact look like? What can I do?

I figure let’s go to the experts that can give us some digestible information.

Here are 6 TED Talks on sustainability (social, environment, and economic) that will provide clarity to what it is, its impact, and what we can do for a more sustainable world:

On Social:

Cormac presents a compelling stance on the positive and negative consequences of helping. His ground up approach to community development encourages focusing on a community’s strengths, to further a good life for all.

Carol Naughton demonstrates the positive social impact of working as one. Naughton discusses the journey establishing meaningful partnerships with the housing and education departments in Atlanta, to create community designs for continuous social impact.

On Environment:

Aloha ʻĀina. Sam ‘Ohu Gon III PhD, biologist, conservationist, and cultural practitioner, gives a heartfelt discussion on the ecological landscape of the Hawaiian Islands then and now. He also presents powerful lessons that the modern world can learn from the past, to preserve, respect, and connect with nature.

Lord Nicholas Stern was one of the contributors to the UN Climate Summit Report 2014. He enlightens us with the state of our global climate and what we can do.

On Economics:

Passionate and funny, Ernesto Sirolli shares insights on sustainable economic development and how beginning entrepreneurs can see their passions to fruition.

Tim Jackson stresses that in times of climate change, inequity, and economic recession, economic values need to prioritize investing in causes that sustain our future.