Paul Slovic examines "psychic numbing," our tendency to ignore mass tragedies despite valuing individual lives. He explains that as numbers grow, we become desensitized, failing to act against

Paul Slovic examines "psychic numbing," our tendency to ignore mass tragedies despite valuing individual lives. He explains that as numbers grow, we become desensitized, failing to act against catastrophic losses from poverty, disease, climate disasters, and violence. Understanding this cognitive bias is crucial for motivating effective responses.

Dr. Slovic, a professor of psychology at the University of Oregon and President of Decision Research (which he co-founded), is a leading expert in risk perception. His extensive work, including research on global threats, has earned him numerous accolades, such as election to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Moderated by Ozgen Dundar.

Malachi Heywood is a rising senior Business Management major at Paul Quinn College.

His academic focus lies at the intersection of business and environmental management, dedicated to

Malachi Heywood is a rising senior Business Management major at Paul Quinn College.

His academic focus lies at the intersection of business and environmental management, dedicated to fostering sustainability for future generations.

Nobel laureate Paul Nurse describes evolution by natural selection as "the most beautiful idea in biology." He unpacks Charles Darwin's theory, explaining how complexity emerges without a designer

Nobel laureate Paul Nurse describes evolution by natural selection as "the most beautiful idea in biology." He unpacks Charles Darwin's theory, explaining how complexity emerges without a designer and the profound impact of tiny variations on our understanding of life.

Nurse explores the deep genetic connections linking all organisms, from humans to yeast, prompting a crucial question: if all life is related, what do we owe to the living world? A distinguished biochemist, Nurse was awarded the 2001 Nobel Prize for his discoveries in cell cycle regulation.

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"We're at this stage because we've treated the earth like a resource to be exploited for profit," argues Paul Paz y Miño, associate director of Amazon Watch. Fires in the Amazon are waking

"We're at this stage because we've treated the earth like a resource to be exploited for profit," argues Paul Paz y Miño, associate director of Amazon Watch. Fires in the Amazon are waking people up to the need for a radical change in how we value nature -- going beyond its economic worth or carbon sequestration potential.

The Natural History Institute will host author Gary Paul Nabhan for a special talk.

Nabhan's book, *The Nature of Desert Nature*, challenges conventional perceptions of desert

The Natural History Institute will host author Gary Paul Nabhan for a special talk.

Nabhan's book, *The Nature of Desert Nature*, challenges conventional perceptions of desert environments.

This event features prominent leaders in sustainability and integrated reporting. Speakers include Tim Mohin, Chief Executive of GRI; Richard Howitt, CEO of the International Integrated Reporting

This event features prominent leaders in sustainability and integrated reporting. Speakers include Tim Mohin, Chief Executive of GRI; Richard Howitt, CEO of the International Integrated Reporting Council; and Paul Simpson, CEO and Co-Founder of CDP.

The discussion will be moderated by Helle Bank Jorgensen, CEO of B. Accountability.

Multidisciplinary artist and TED Fellow Paul Rucker is unstitching the legacy of systemic racism in the United States. A collector of artifacts connected to the history of slavery -- from branding

Multidisciplinary artist and TED Fellow Paul Rucker is unstitching the legacy of systemic racism in the United States. A collector of artifacts connected to the history of slavery -- from branding irons and shackles to postcards depicting lynchings -- Rucker couldn't find an undamaged Ku Klux Klan robe for his collection, so he began making his own. The result: striking garments in non-traditional fabrics like kente cloth, camouflage and silk that confront the normalization of systemic racism in the US. "If we as a people collectively look at these objects and realize that they are part of our history, we can find a way to where they have no more power over us," Rucker says. (This talk contains graphic images.)

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Photographer and climate activist Daylin Paul delivered a powerful TEDx talk advocating for a just transition focused on equality and prosperity, not just green technology. He argues that current

Photographer and climate activist Daylin Paul delivered a powerful TEDx talk advocating for a just transition focused on equality and prosperity, not just green technology. He argues that current development models cause widespread suffering, emphasizing that global shifts like climate change demand a responsible path forward. Paul stresses that survival requires equality and peace demands justice, challenging decisions that undervalue human lives, labor, and materials.

Paul's award-winning work, including his monograph "Broken Land," visually underscores the human cost of these mindsets, with his photographs featured in The New York Times, The Guardian, and other international publications. This impactful discussion was presented at a TEDx event. Learn more at ted.com/tedx.