America faces undeniable economic inequality. Bill's essay highlights extreme wealth and poverty, exemplified by California's Silicon Valley. There, tech giants like Facebook, Google, and Apple

America faces undeniable economic inequality. Bill's essay highlights extreme wealth and poverty, exemplified by California's Silicon Valley. There, tech giants like Facebook, Google, and Apple create millionaires, while the region's homeless population has surged 20% in two years, living in tent cities near these companies.

A social equality illustration by Brandon Cripps accompanies this discussion.

This content was originally published on April 11, 2013.

The COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges to the US healthcare system. Top executives from major hospital systems, physician groups, and health insurers, in association with The

The COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges to the US healthcare system. Top executives from major hospital systems, physician groups, and health insurers, in association with The Zetema Project, discuss their strategies for coping with this historic crisis.

This program is generously supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the Canet Foundation, and other funders. For more information, including videos, events, membership, and donation options, visit the Commonwealth Club website. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Sristi Kamal, Oregon Representative for Defenders of Wildlife, testified for House Bill 2548, which proposes a study to fund wildlife crossings and safe passage structures on Oregon highways. The

Sristi Kamal, Oregon Representative for Defenders of Wildlife, testified for House Bill 2548, which proposes a study to fund wildlife crossings and safe passage structures on Oregon highways. The goal is to reduce collisions and protect ecosystems.

Kamal emphasized the severe economic and ecological impacts of wildlife collisions, including property damage, human injury, and animal loss. Collisions hinder species' movement, food access, and genetic diversity. A neighboring state estimated $2.5 million in annual collision costs on just 12.5 miles of highway. She argued the study is crucial to finding solutions, demonstrating that passage benefits will far outweigh initial investment, preventing further losses. Kamal urged continued engagement in the Oregon Legislative session to support better wildlife policies.

Melinda Gates champions contraception as a critical international health issue. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is dedicated to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to lead healthy,

Melinda Gates champions contraception as a critical international health issue. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is dedicated to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to lead healthy, productive lives.

This page features videos, including content from the TEDx program, highlighting the Foundation's work in global health, global development, and U.S. education.

For more, visit the Foundation's YouTube channel for Global Health Stories.

Bryan Walsh discusses Yellowstone's supervolcano, a rare but significant threat to humanity. Such eruptions could eject immense material, blocking sunlight and risking global starvation.

Bryan Walsh discusses Yellowstone's supervolcano, a rare but significant threat to humanity. Such eruptions could eject immense material, blocking sunlight and risking global starvation. Fortunately, steps can be taken to prepare for this looming danger.

Walsh, editor of Vox's Future Perfect and author of "End Times," explores policies and technologies for a better future. This video, originally by Freethink, is presented by Big Think, a leading source of expert-driven educational content.

Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube for more insights. Read the video transcript here, and explore related stories like the Tonga eruption.

Releasing Tuesday, November 9, "The Story of Electronics" exposes the high-tech revolution's collateral damage: 25 million tons of e-waste, poisoned workers, and public costs. Host Annie Leonard

Releasing Tuesday, November 9, "The Story of Electronics" exposes the high-tech revolution's collateral damage: 25 million tons of e-waste, poisoned workers, and public costs. Host Annie Leonard guides viewers from gadget production in mines and factories to their grim end in Chinese recycling shops. The film advocates a "green 'race to the top'" for designers to create long-lasting, toxic-free, and easily recyclable products.

The Electronics TakeBack Coalition, promoting green design and responsible recycling, partnered on this production.

As carbon-fee-and-dividend legislation prepares for reintroduction in the new Congress, we heard from economist Dr. Noah Kaufman. He was the lead author of the 2019 Columbia University assessment

As carbon-fee-and-dividend legislation prepares for reintroduction in the new Congress, we heard from economist Dr. Noah Kaufman. He was the lead author of the 2019 Columbia University assessment of the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act, which confirmed the bill's environmental and economic effectiveness.

Dr. Kaufman is a Research Scholar at Columbia's Center on Global Energy Policy, where he leads research on climate change policies and teaches Energy Decarbonization. He previously served as Deputy Associate Director of Energy & Climate Change at the White House Council on Environmental Quality during the Obama administration.

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) offers a powerful solution to fuel the future, capable of replacing fossil fuels for industrial processes like steel and cement manufacturing, thereby reducing

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) offers a powerful solution to fuel the future, capable of replacing fossil fuels for industrial processes like steel and cement manufacturing, thereby reducing global carbon emissions. CSP systems use arrays of revolving mirrors (heliostats) to precisely reflect sunlight into a central receiver, generating immense heat.

Recent advancements in AI and machine learning are making CSP technology smarter, more efficient, and increasingly affordable. Innovators like Heliogen, backed by Bill Gates, leverage software to optimize mirror control, making solar energy cleaner and cheaper than fossil fuels. This progress paves the way for global adoption, as explored in the "Hard Reset" series.

Animal protein production contributes significantly to climate-altering gases. However, a new generation of companies is developing innovative meat alternatives, including plant-based options and

Animal protein production contributes significantly to climate-altering gases. However, a new generation of companies is developing innovative meat alternatives, including plant-based options and lab-grown cells, which boast much smaller environmental impacts. Major investors like Bill Gates, Cargill, and Tyson are backing these "clean meat" technologies.

These emerging food choices are now available in restaurants and grocery stores. The critical questions are whether these options will achieve mainstream adoption and effectively reduce the carbon pollution destabilizing our climate. #letstalkclimate Learn more at climateone.org and this event page.