5 inspirational Ted talks by Wonder Women in nature conservation

Nature is incredible. It is our passion. But sometimes we get caught up in the daily grind. And we can lose touch with our inner motivation. At times like these, it’s important to step back and gain perspective on why we work in nature conservation. What changes do you want to see in the world? How can you build on the work of others while truly creating your own impact? We’ve brought together our favourite Ted Talks that provide us with inspiration in those moments of uncertainty.

Watch these awesome speeches by five amazing Wonder Women and you’ll feel energized to keep striving to create your own lasting positive impact on the world.
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1. How humans and animals can live together by Jane Goodall
The legendary chimpanzee researcher Jane Goodall talks about her community projects, which help people in African towns live side-by-side with threatened animals.

2. Development Doesn’t Need to Destroy Wildlife by Paula Kahumbu
Paula Kahumbu is Executive Director of the Kenya Land Conservation Trust and WildlifeDirect, and Chairman of the Friends of Nairobi National Park. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kahumbu entered into conservation at the height of the elephant poaching in the late 1980s. Kahumbu is well known in Kenya for her infectious passion for conservation and animals. She believes in the development of Kenya, but not at the cost of the environment.

3. Nature is everywhere – we just need to learn to see it by Emma Marris
How do you define “nature?” If we define it as that which is untouched by humans, then we won’t have any left, says environmental writer Emma Marris. She urges us to consider a new definition of nature — one that includes not only pristine wilderness but also the untended patches of plants growing in urban spaces — and encourages us to bring our children out to touch and tinker with it so that one day they might love and protect it

4. How pollution is changing the ocean’s chemistry by Triona McGrath
As we keep pumping carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, more of it is dissolving in the oceans, leading to drastic changes in the water’s chemistry. Triona McGrath researches this process, known as ocean acidification, and in this talk, she takes us for a dive into an oceanographer’s world. Learn more about how the “evil twin of climate change” is impacting the ocean — and the life that depends on it.

5. Solutions to the food and ecological crisis facing us today by Dr. Vandana Shiva
Dr. Shiva Vandana is a philosopher, environmental activist, eco feminist and author of several books. In this inspirational talk, Dr. Shiva shows us how nature is the very foundation of our economy and provides inspiration on how we can solve the food and ecological crisis facing us today.

BONUS! 6. We are all Wonder Women co-founder Dr. Eugenie Regan on Irish invertebrates and their importance to conservation.

We hope these videos inspire you as much as they have inspired us! If you’re looking for further inspiration then read through our blogs or explore our exclusive interviews with Wonder Women in nature conservation.