The "Future of Sustainability 2020" webinar, held on July 22, 2020, explored whether COVID-19 accelerated or challenged the transition to a sustainable future. The crisis, devastating lives and economies—particularly informal ones—also presented a historic opportunity to reimagine how we rebuild.

Forum for the Future urged businesses, governments, and communities to create a more just, sustainable, and resilient world. Drawing on annual research, they highlighted the "Transform" trajectory as the sole path to achieve these systems. This approach recognizes interdependent challenges, aiming to shift political, economic, and social systems for human and planetary health, justice, and economic resilience. Now is the time for this transformative change.

Mr. Ankit Bhateja highlighted the critical role of cost-effective satellites and their data. He explained how this data enables real-time monitoring and 18-20 hour predictions, assisting farmers with drought warnings, enhancing naval navigation, and improving overseas logistics. This significantly reduces the economic and human toll of climate change.

As founder of Xovian, an aerospace startup, Mr. Bhateja develops a patented Passive RADAR Nano Satellite Constellation for 24/7 real-time earth surface monitoring, providing critical GIS data and predictions on oceans, extreme weather, and glaciers. He also inspires youth towards a technologically advanced India. We welcomed him to the third TEDxIIMSirmaur event, independently organized. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Oceana champions science-based policies, having protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean. We fight to safeguard our oceans worldwide.

Join Oceana to support our work: https://bit.ly/39rh4sf. Subscribe to our channel and become a Wavemaker! 🌊

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Dame Ellen MacArthur urges "bold and urgent action" to address plastic pollution. A 2020 study, "Breaking the Plastic Wave," by The Pew Charitable Trusts and SYSTEMIQ, reveals a grim forecast: without intervention, by 2040, plastic on the market will double, annual ocean entry will almost triple, and ocean stocks will quadruple. This echoes the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's 2016 warning of more plastic than fish by 2050.

The study confirms a circular economy for plastic is the only way to tackle waste at its source. This vision already unites over 850 organizations. Find out more here.

In July 2020, The Pew Charitable Trusts and SYSTEMIQ, with partners including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, released "Breaking the Plastic Wave." This robust study on ocean plastic pollution revealed that without action, plastic volume will double, ocean entry will almost triple, and ocean stocks will quadruple by 2040. This aligns with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's 2016 warning of more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050.

The study emphasizes that a circular economy for plastic is the sole solution to tackle waste and pollution at its source. This vision already unites over 850 organizations through the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment and Plastics Pact network. Learn more about the study here.

Dame Ellen MacArthur emphasizes the need for bold, urgent action against plastic pollution. A comprehensive 2020 study, "Breaking the Plastic Wave," by The Pew Charitable Trusts and SYSTEMIQ, with partners including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, reveals a stark future: without intervention, ocean plastic entering the environment will nearly triple by 2040, and total ocean stocks will quadruple. This aligns with earlier warnings that plastic could outweigh fish in the ocean by 2050.

The study confirms that a circular economy for plastic is the only effective solution, a vision already embraced by over 850 organizations globally. Discover more about this critical research and its pathways to stopping ocean plastic pollution here.

The new CCR episode, dropping Sat. July 25th, features a global "patchwork quilt" of five segments. Listen here: https://ccl.podbean.com/e/ccr-50-big-climate-problems-require-bigger-global-solutions/

Olivia Oguadinma (Nigeria) shares storytelling's power to motivate youth via her "Gems on Earth" podcast. Doerte Wihan (Germany) recounts her transformation to an Extinction Rebellion activist after a climate strike. Shane Petzer (South Africa) and his Magpie Art Collective turn trash into art, including chandeliers and #QuakerPeaceDoves, with remote participation.

The USA segment features former MA legislator Solomon Goldstein-Rose on climate efforts and "The 100% Solution" book. Visual artist Violet Kitchen discusses art's vital role in change movements.

Consumer sentiment had shifted away from disposable packaging, especially single-use plastics, until COVID-19 prompted a resurgence. Many assume single-use items are safer due to virus survival on surfaces, but this isn't necessarily true.

For Plastic-Free July, we'll examine a circular model offering a hygienic alternative to single-use. Join 3BL Media, Loop's Anthony Rossi, and UPS's Patrick Browne on July 22 at 2 p.m. ET. We'll discuss Loop's "21st-century milkman" approach during COVID-19 and how circular systems can prevent a backslide on plastic waste.

Endangered Blanding's turtle hatchlings begin their journey into the wild. These turtles can live 80 years, but their population is critically threatened by predation, disease, habitat destruction, and human collection.

In 2011, a Center petition secured CITES protection for Blanding's turtles. The Center, joined by renowned scientists like E.O. Wilson, further petitioned in 2012 for U.S. Endangered Species Act protection for the turtle and 52 other threatened amphibians and reptiles.

While not yet federally protected in the U.S., Blanding's turtles are safeguarded by state laws in several states.

Thaalavattam is a collaborative music project founded by environmentalist and musician Montry Manuel. Based in Austria, Montry crafts unique instruments from discarded materials like industrial waste, paint cans, and bicycle parts. Its motto, "Reduce Reuse Retune," embodies the vision to "CLEAN THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH MUSIC," drawing inspiration from nature, everyday life, and found objects.

Montry, a former art director and founding member of the Indian band Swarathma, launched Thaalavattam ("A Circle of Rhythm") in 2011, creating music from found objects. Thaalavattam gained international recognition as the first live act from India at Hungary's O.Z.O.R.A. Music Festival (2014-2016). They have since performed at TEDx Vienna and numerous European festivals, blending innovative sound with environmental advocacy. Learn more about TEDx events here.

In her talk, environmental activist Sumaira Abdulali recounts how resilience guided her through challenges in both life and advocacy. She has dedicated her life to fighting injustice, pioneering policy changes against issues like sand mining and noise pollution.

As the founder of 'Awaaz Foundation' and Convenor of MITRA, Abdulali actively raises global awareness about harmful environmental practices and promotes wildlife conservation. Her work, featured in numerous documentaries and press coverages, reaches thousands.

This inspiring talk was delivered at an independently organized TEDx event. Learn more about TEDx here.

North Atlantic right whales are critically endangered, with only about 400 individuals remaining. Fatal ship strikes and fishing gear entanglements are primary threats, causing deaths to outnumber births. Oceana Canada advocates for mandatory speed limits in key passages like the Cabot Strait to prevent further fatalities.

Oceana's Ship Speed Watch is an innovative tool that monitors ship speeds and positions in whale habitats along the East Coast. Utilizing AIS data, it displays restriction zones, emphasizing how enforced speed limits can prevent deadly collisions—a leading cause of whale injury and death.

Access Oceana Canada's full report: oceana.ca/RightWhaletoSave. Learn more about Oceana's binational campaign: www.oceana.org/RightWhaletoSave.

Rick Rybeck of Just Economics delivered a brief presentation to the Center for State Innovation, addressing the concepts of smart and dumb growth.

He highlighted "value capture" as a key technique. This method aims to fund infrastructure and create jobs, while simultaneously making housing more affordable and promoting sustainable development.

For further reading, see ShelterForce.

Sarah, an ELHS senior and future URI Ocean Engineering major, explores the often-overlooked human impact of plastic pollution. She begins with a brief history of plastic production, then highlights the pervasive issue of microplastics, exemplified by the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Her main focus is on how plastic pollution directly affects human health. She concludes by offering actionable solutions to combat plastic waste and promote ocean conservation. This talk was presented at an independently organized TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Danat Tekie's TEDxUiO talk, "Demystifying 'sustainability'," explores youth as a driving force for a sustainable future and encourages self-reflection. It's a must-watch for anyone seeking clarity on sustainability.

Danat, an "earthpreneur" passionate about making sustainability business as usual, is Chief External Relations for Young Sustainable Impact (YSI). YSI solves global sustainability challenges by fostering youth entrepreneurship and innovation, creating impact startups. She previously helped build Future Leaders Global, a leading youth leadership program in the Nordics.

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

Shaylan Kolodney, a junior Environmental Science student at Skidmore College, shares her unique thoughts on climate change. Her environmental passion ignited in high school after successfully campaigning to ban polystyrene in her cafeteria, an effort that later inspired her hometown's sustainable business practices.

Currently, Shaylan researches carbon farming at Caney Fork Farm. She also studied in Bhutan, investigating factors contributing to the rapid dieback of the Himalayan Blue Pine. Deeply interested in understanding humanity's role in the environment, she is driven to make a positive global impact.

This talk was given at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

The Garrison Institute presented a live webinar with Jessica Morey, exploring earth-based contemplative practices.

The interactive session guided participants to connect with their belonging, love, and grief for our world. It encouraged reflection on pandemic lessons for the global climate crisis, fostering inner resiliency and compassion to advocate for a livable planet.

Jessica, a lead teacher and co-founder of Inward Bound Mindfulness Education, brings extensive experience in meditation and clean energy policy. Her work integrates contemplative practice with environmental advocacy.

Tink Tinker (Osage Nation) is the Clifford Baldridge Professor of American Indian Cultures and Religious Traditions at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. He teaches courses on American Indian cultures, history, religious traditions, and justice studies.

A frequent speaker nationally and internationally, Tinker has authored and co-authored numerous publications. Key works include “American Indian Liberation: A Theology of Sovereignty” (2008) and “Missionary Conquest: The Gospel and Native American Genocide” (1993).

This lecture is made possible by the support of Gerald Facciani ‘13 M.A.R., the Native American Cultural Center, and several university departments and centers.

In Uganda, local partners empower community leaders like Gladys Wamboka to educate on vital sanitation and hygiene practices. You can support these efforts and bring clean, safe water to communities every month by joining The Spring. Learn more: cwtr.org/3aLCS0M.

charity: water is a nonprofit dedicated to providing clean drinking water globally, with 100% of public donations funding projects. Discover our story and mission: charitywater.org. Connect with us on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

Drawing from Eastern wisdom and Western science, Peter Russell, with degrees in theoretical physics, experimental psychology, and computer science from Cambridge, applies a sharp, critical mind to self-awakening. He asserts that humanity's next great frontier is inner space – the development of the human mind – addressing profound questions about non-duality, consciousness, and reality.

Russell has authored ten books, including *The Global Brain Awakens* and *From Science to God: A Physicist’s Journey into the Mystery of Consciousness*, synthesizing scientific rationale with intuitive wisdom.

Source: Science and Nonduality