This TEDx talk was independently organized by a local community. For TEDx guidelines, see here, and learn more about

This TEDx talk was independently organized by a local community. For TEDx guidelines, see here, and learn more about TEDx at ted.com/tedx. Photography by Jeremy Ramsey; video by M. Mitch Wheary, with additional editing by Max Wilhelm. Media cleared for YouTube.

Caroline Payne, a Lycoming College political science professor, directs the Interdisciplinary Dominican Republic Program and Warrior Coffee Project. These initiatives provide students with field experience in the Dominican Republic, engaging in service-learning focused on human rights and fair trade. Lycoming College sources fair-priced beans from the El Naranjito Association. Warrior Coffee is supported by Alabaster Coffee Roaster & Tea Co., JayD’s, and Parkhurst Dining.

Arizona's Santa Rita Mountains, ancestral land of the Tohono O'odham (who call it Ce: wi Duag, or "Long Mountain"), are renowned for their natural beauty and rare wildlife, including ocelots and

Arizona's Santa Rita Mountains, ancestral land of the Tohono O'odham (who call it Ce: wi Duag, or "Long Mountain"), are renowned for their natural beauty and rare wildlife, including ocelots and jaguars. Despite this, a Canadian company seeks to blast a mile-wide, open-pit copper mine in this invaluable area.

For over a decade, a coalition of organizations and local governments has successfully resisted this project. A video, directed by Leslie Ann Epperson, features Austin Nuñez, Chairman of the San Xavier District of the Tohono O'odham Nation, and allies recounting their tale of resistance.

Paul Saffo, a Silicon Valley forecaster and educator, discusses the competing perspectives in the climate debate and potential solutions. Saffo explores long-term technology trends and their

Paul Saffo, a Silicon Valley forecaster and educator, discusses the competing perspectives in the climate debate and potential solutions. Saffo explores long-term technology trends and their societal impact, teaching at Stanford and leading Future Studies at Singularity University. He also serves on the board of the Long Now Foundation and holds degrees from Harvard, Cambridge, and Stanford.

This talk was delivered at an independently organized TEDx event. Learn more at ted.com/tedx.

The adult male narwhal is unmistakable, known for its unique tusk. This tusk, actually an upper jaw tooth, can exceed six feet in length, making it unlike any other marine mammal. Discover more in

The adult male narwhal is unmistakable, known for its unique tusk. This tusk, actually an upper jaw tooth, can exceed six feet in length, making it unlike any other marine mammal. Discover more in our [Marine Life Encyclopedia](https://bit.ly/2X7E3np).

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The "membership economy" is profoundly transforming business, comparable to the industrial revolution, states Silicon Valley consultant Robbie Kellman Baxter. This model shifts the consumer-brand

The "membership economy" is profoundly transforming business, comparable to the industrial revolution, states Silicon Valley consultant Robbie Kellman Baxter. This model shifts the consumer-brand relationship from transactional to relational, emphasizing access over ownership and delivering a "forever promise."

While not a new concept—Charles Dickens used subscriptions—modern technology allows businesses to build these ongoing relationships with unprecedented reach. This shift, exemplified by Netflix's success over Blockbuster, prioritizes consistent value and customer certainty. Baxter, author of "The Membership Economy," details this move from one-time payments to recurring revenue and multi-directional communication.

Discover more: Big Think YouTube and Big Think Edge.

Conservationist Kubanychbek Zhumabai uulu directs the Snow Leopard Foundation in Kyrgyzstan and coordinates the Snow Leopard Trust. He spearheads innovative initiatives to protect snow leopards

Conservationist Kubanychbek Zhumabai uulu directs the Snow Leopard Foundation in Kyrgyzstan and coordinates the Snow Leopard Trust. He spearheads innovative initiatives to protect snow leopards and other wildlife across Central Asia, including collecting vital scientific data on snow leopard populations.

Beginning his environmental protection career in 2002, Kubanychbek now aims to share successful conservation practices with other communities. This approach seeks to conserve wildlife while simultaneously improving local socioeconomic statuses. This talk was given at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Fusion energy offers our best chance for a long-term sustainable future, moving beyond science fiction. Dr. Melanie Windridge explores how funding and fear impede progress and what steps can be

Fusion energy offers our best chance for a long-term sustainable future, moving beyond science fiction. Dr. Melanie Windridge explores how funding and fear impede progress and what steps can be taken to overcome these challenges.

Dr. Windridge is a plasma physicist with a PhD in fusion energy from Imperial College London. She serves as Communications Consultant for fusion start-up Tokamak Energy and authored "Aurora: In Search of the Northern Lights." Her expertise spans science, communication, and adventure.

This insightful discussion was presented at an independently organized TEDx event. Learn more about TEDx at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Dave Courchene's dream conveys a Grandfather's urgent message: profound Earth changes are imminent. Humanity must prepare for a simple, spiritual life, detached from technology that harms the

Dave Courchene's dream conveys a Grandfather's urgent message: profound Earth changes are imminent. Humanity must prepare for a simple, spiritual life, detached from technology that harms the land. He observes current global conditions reflect an unsustainable path of selfishness and greed, necessitating a fundamental shift towards kindness, compassion, and sharing for a "New Life."

Indigenous peoples, faithful to original instructions of love and care for Earth, are called to lead this transformation. Their wisdom centers on the Seven Sacred Laws—Respect, Love, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility, and Truth—each exemplified by an animal. Living these laws on Turtle Island is vital for peace, freedom, and universal alignment, offering a vision of hope for humanity.

Driven by witnessing the connection between injustice and environmental degradation, Jess Grady-Benson co-founded the Claremont Colleges Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign in 2012. She led the

Driven by witnessing the connection between injustice and environmental degradation, Jess Grady-Benson co-founded the Claremont Colleges Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign in 2012. She led the campaign to a victory at Pitzer College in 2014, securing fossil fuel divestment.

Post-graduation, Grady-Benson continues building the youth climate justice movement through the national Fossil Fuel Divestment Student Network. As a coordinating committee member and Director of Training, she plans strategic direction, designs leadership programs, and trains young organizers nationwide to advance divestment and a just transition.

This excerpt features an interview with Jeannette Armstrong (Syilx, Okanagan) from the Native Perspectives on Sustainability project. Armstrong discusses the loss of community and the value of

This excerpt features an interview with Jeannette Armstrong (Syilx, Okanagan) from the Native Perspectives on Sustainability project. Armstrong discusses the loss of community and the value of building long-term relationships with people and place.

A complete transcript is available at nativeperspectives.net. This content was originally published by NativePerspectives on November 20, 2009.