Can we feed ourselves without devouring the planet? | George Monbiot

Can we feed ourselves without devouring the planet? | George Monbiot

Author: TED January 18, 2023 Duration: 15:38
Farming is the worst thing humanity has ever done to the planet, says journalist George Monbiot. What's more: the global food system could be heading toward collapse. Detailing the technological solutions we need to radically reshape food production -- from lab-grown, protein-rich foods to crops that don't require plowing -- Monbiot shares a future-focused vision of how humanity could feed itself without destroying the planet.

Curiosity about how our bodies work and the universe functions finds a compelling home in TED Talks Science and Medicine. This curated collection pulls directly from the global stage, featuring leading researchers, pioneering physicians, and insightful thinkers who are actively reshaping their fields. Each episode is a deep, personal narrative from the person behind the discovery, moving beyond textbook summaries to share the human story of scientific pursuit. You’ll hear a neurosurgeon explain the delicate biology of consciousness, a biologist decoding the secret language of trees, or an epidemiologist tracing the path of a pandemic. The discussions are grounded in rigorous research but delivered with a clarity and passion that makes complex concepts accessible and genuinely thrilling. Sourced from flagship TED conferences, independent TEDx events, and partner gatherings worldwide, this podcast serves as a direct line to the cutting edge. It’s for anyone who finds wonder in a detailed medical breakthrough or a revolutionary physics concept, offering a regular dose of perspective on the mechanisms of life and the cosmos. TED’s nonprofit mission to spread impactful ideas is perfectly realized here, turning each listening session into an engaging, thought-provoking exploration of what we know and the vast mysteries that remain.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 133

TED Talks Science and Medicine
Podcast Episodes
Could we treat spinal cord injuries with asparagus? | Andrew Pelling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:14
Take a mind-blowing trip to the lab as TED Senior Fellow Andrew Pelling shares his research on how we could use fruits, vegetables and plants to regenerate damaged human tissues -- and develop a potentially groundbreakin…
A concrete idea to reduce carbon emissions | Karen Scrivener [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:23
Concrete is the second most-used substance on Earth (behind water), and it's responsible for eight percent of the world's carbon footprint. Cement researcher Karen Scrivener shares the research behind a pioneering new ki…
How animals and plants are evolving in cities | Menno Schilthuizen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:54
In cities, evolution occurs constantly, as countless plants, animals and insects adapt to human-made habitats in spectacular ways. Evolutionary biologist Menno Schilthuizen calls on peculiar beings such as fast food-lovi…
Can light stop the coronavirus? | David Brenner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:02
Far-UVC light is a type of ultraviolet light that kills microbes and viruses and, crucially, seems to be safe to use around humans. Radiation scientist David Brenner describes how we could use this light to stop the spre…
The new science of personalized vaccines | Ofer Levy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:30
At the intersection of precision medicine and vaccinology lies a revolutionary scientific pursuit: personalized vaccines. Infectious disease specialist Ofer Levy introduces this promising medical approach, in which tailo…
Let's make the world wild again | Kristine McDivitt Tompkins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:09
Earth, humanity and nature are inextricably interconnected. To restore us all back to health, we need to "rewild" the world, says environmental activist Kristine McDivitt Tompkins. Tracing her life from Patagonia CEO to…
An ER doctor on triaging your "crazy busy" life | Darria Long [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:29
How do doctors in the emergency room stay calm and focused amidst the chaos? Drawing on years of experience, ER doctor Darria Long shares a straightforward framework to help you take back control and feel less overwhelme…
The wonders of the molecular world, animated | Janet Iwasa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:51
Some biological structures are so small that scientists can't see them with even the most powerful microscopes. That's where molecular animator and TED Fellow Janet Iwasa gets creative. Explore vast, unseen molecular wor…