Visit TED.com for a vast library of TED Talks, transcripts, and personalized recommendations covering technology, science, global issues, and more. These talks feature

Visit TED.com for a vast library of TED Talks, transcripts, and personalized recommendations covering technology, science, global issues, and more. These talks feature leading thinkers sharing ideas in 18 minutes or less.

For example, author David Wallace-Wells discusses the climate crisis, emphasizing the need for dramatic actions to build a livable, prosperous world. You can freely link to, embed, and share these impactful videos.

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A 2019 video revealed a frightening climate truth: a 2°C global temperature increase, labeled the "threshold of catastrophe," represents the best-case scenario. Without immediate action, the

A 2019 video revealed a frightening climate truth: a 2°C global temperature increase, labeled the "threshold of catastrophe," represents the best-case scenario. Without immediate action, the planet is on track for a 4°C rise this century, risking $600 trillion in damages, doubled warfare, and a refugee crisis 100 times worse than the Syrian exodus.

David Wallace-Wells, who explores even higher increases like 8°C and 13°C, stresses that these horrifying predictions should not induce complacency. Instead, he urges a more intense focus on the issue.

New York Magazine deputy editor David Wallace-Wells advocates for "radical empathy" as a global solution to climate change.

He asserts that global stories are vital to cultivate equal

New York Magazine deputy editor David Wallace-Wells advocates for "radical empathy" as a global solution to climate change.

He asserts that global stories are vital to cultivate equal empathy for individuals worldwide, from Bangladesh to Paradise, California.

Climate change is now primarily a political challenge, not just a financial one. While decarbonizing our economy demands trillions in new investments, public opinion increasingly favors action.

Climate change is now primarily a political challenge, not just a financial one. While decarbonizing our economy demands trillions in new investments, public opinion increasingly favors action. The responsibility now rests with elected leaders.

David Wallace-Wells, a national fellow at New America and deputy editor at New York magazine, explores these themes in his book, *[The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming](https://goo.gl/ih35YX)*.

For more insights, visit [BigThink.com](https://bigthink.com/videos/climate-change-economy). Follow Big Think on [YouTube](http://goo.gl/CPTsV5), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BigThinkdotcom), and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/bigthink).

The climate crisis is not a future problem, but an urgent, immediate threat. In the last thirty years, we've released more carbon than in all prior human history, pushing our planet to the brink.

The climate crisis is not a future problem, but an urgent, immediate threat. In the last thirty years, we've released more carbon than in all prior human history, pushing our planet to the brink. Yet, climate action is often dismissed as a secondary concern.

New York magazine's David Wallace-Wells vividly illustrates the devastating human costs and irreversible planetary damage climate change will bring, sooner than we realize. He issues an urgent call to fundamentally change how we perceive and discuss our planet's future.

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In his talk, David Wallace-Wells discusses his book, "The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming," which distills complex climate science into human-scale impacts. He explores how to address

In his talk, David Wallace-Wells discusses his book, "The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming," which distills complex climate science into human-scale impacts. He explores how to address climate change without succumbing to despair and the potential of technology for both mitigation and adaptation solutions.

Wallace-Wells, deputy editor of New York Magazine, expanded his 2017 article into this full-length work. The book details the effects of climate change on water, food, oceans, and more, guiding readers to understand societal impacts and inspiring action to prevent the worst outcomes.

Get the book: https://goo.gle/2n9kUSZ

This infographic and animation tracks cumulative natural gas wells drilled in Pennsylvania from January 2005 to April 2012, highlighting the state's transition from conventional vertical to

This infographic and animation tracks cumulative natural gas wells drilled in Pennsylvania from January 2005 to April 2012, highlighting the state's transition from conventional vertical to horizontal drilling.

Horizontal wells, primarily in the Marcellus, Utica, and Geneseo/Burket shale formations, increased significantly. Concurrently, less productive vertical wells declined, resulting in an overall decrease in new well counts.

For a comprehensive analysis, read the full Today in Energy article here.

David Wallace-Wells observes that few Silicon Valley titans are addressing climate change, despite the opportunity to leave a significant legacy. He points to Bill Gates-funded negative emissions

David Wallace-Wells observes that few Silicon Valley titans are addressing climate change, despite the opportunity to leave a significant legacy. He points to Bill Gates-funded negative emissions technology, which could enable current industrial activity without global warming.

This technology would cost $3 trillion annually to operate worldwide. While substantial, this figure is less than the $5 trillion spent each year on global fossil fuel subsidies.

Wallace-Wells, author of [The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming](https://amzn.to/2Of5N3y), shared these insights. Read more at BigThink.com, and follow Big Think on [YouTube](http://goo.gl/CPTsV5), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BigThinkdotcom), and [Twitter](https://twitter.com/bigthink).

Author David Wallace-Wells warns that coral reefs may not survive another generation, potentially facing total extinction by 2050 without significant policy changes. He highlights that humanity is

Author David Wallace-Wells warns that coral reefs may not survive another generation, potentially facing total extinction by 2050 without significant policy changes. He highlights that humanity is already experiencing a mass extinction event. The World Wildlife Fund reports a 60% decline in vertebrate mammals since 1970, while insect populations may have plummeted by 75% in recent decades.

Our oceans currently absorb much of the atmospheric emissions, preventing even higher global temperatures. However, they remain highly vulnerable to pollution and other impacts. Wallace-Wells, author of "The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming" (https://amzn.to/2Of5N3y), emphasizes the critical state of these vital ecosystems. For more details, read the full transcript at BigThink.com.

David Wallace-Wells' RSA Minimate, "Climate Change and the Future of Humanity," confronts global warming as our age's existential challenge. He warns of grave dangers if we continue our current

David Wallace-Wells' RSA Minimate, "Climate Change and the Future of Humanity," confronts global warming as our age's existential challenge. He warns of grave dangers if we continue our current path, urging immediate commitment and collective action for humanity's future.

RSA Minimates are super-short, information-packed animations. Watch Wallace-Wells' full talk on "The Uninhabitable Earth" here.

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