Dreamers, Schemers, and Millionaires Saving Our Planet | Edward Humes | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Edward Humes discusses his book "Eco Barons" and highlights the importance of conservation, sustainability, and clean energy in combating environmental challenges.

Transcript

okay hello everyone I'm Julie whisker confirm the author's team in Santa Monica and today I'm excited to welcome Edward Humes Edward is a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist and the author of nine critically acclaimed books of nonfiction most recently he wrote monkey girl evolution education religion and the battle for America's soul and over here ho... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫒 Current ways of living on Earth are unsustainable and can be learned from by analyzing designs for living on Mars or the moon.
• 🛟 Conservation, sustainability, and clean energy are matters of life and death, not just luxuries to be discussed.
• 💄 Echo Barons are visionary individuals who are actively countering the unsustainable lifestyle by making significant contributions to conservation efforts, environmental legislation, and technological innovation.

Questions & Answers

Q: What common elements did the winning entries in the NASA contest have that are instructive for sustainable living on Earth?

The winning entries did not distribute vehicles that release toxic substances into the air, did not dump biological and chemical waste into drinking water, did not convert large portions of land for a single type of food, and did not design inefficient buildings, vehicles, or appliances.

Q: How are the Eco Barons different from the old robber barons?

While the old robber barons focused on exploiting the landscape, the Eco Barons are visionary individuals who are actively working to counter our unsustainable lifestyle. They have put their money towards conservation efforts and have made significant contributions to environmental causes.

Q: How has working on the book "Eco Barons" helped Edward Humes deal with the environmental bad news?

Working on the book has provided Humes with a more human and graspable approach to the environmental story. It has given him hope and inspiration by showcasing the positive actions of the Eco Barons, who are making a difference in their own unique ways.

Q: How are the Center for Biological Diversity and the Endangered Species Act making an impact on environmental conservation?

The Center for Biological Diversity has been effective in protecting endangered species through legal action and scientific evidence. They have used the Endangered Species Act to compel the government to acknowledge threats, such as human-caused global warming, and take action to mitigate them. This legal tool has the potential to spur meaningful change in how we address climate change.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Edward Humes describes a NASA contest where high school students designed colonies for living on Mars or the moon, which revealed a stark contrast between their sustainable designs and the way we live on Earth.

• Humes introduces the concept of "Eco Barons" - individuals who are actively working to counter our unsustainable lifestyle and make a positive impact on the environment.

• He profiles several Eco Barons, including Doug Tompkins, Roxanne Quimby, Terry Tamminen, and Carol Island, showcasing their contributions to land conservation, environmental legislation, and technological innovation.