Our Favorite Environmental TED Talks

Looking to learn more about our planet and how you can help protect it? Here are some of our favorite TED Talks about the environment and climate change that will leave you knowledgeable, inspired, and ready to take action:

“The case for optimism on climate change” by Al Gore

In this TED Talk, the author of An Inconvenient Truth discusses why we need to act on climate change, how we can do so, and why we should feel hopeful for our fight for the planet. Watch his TED Talk here.

"Cities are driving climate change. Here's how they can fix it" by Angel Hsu 

Cities are not only affected by climate change—they are largely causing it, but they can also play a major role in solving it. Watch her TED Talk here.

"A love story for the coral reef crisis" by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

Dr. Johnson shares how her work as a marine biologist in coral reefs in the Caribbean led her to fall in love with the colorful parrotfish, and she discusses what’s at stake for both humans and parrotfish alike as climate change threatens the future of coral reefs. Watch her TED Talk here.

"Climate justice can't happen without racial justice" by David Lammy 

Lammy, a Member of Parliament for Tottenham, England, explains how climate justice is linked to racial justice, social justice, and intergenerational justice. He discusses how environmental injustices such as higher air pollution exist around the world, from London to Lagos to Los Angeles, and calls for stronger action against these injustices. Watch his TED Talk here.

"How we can make energy more affordable for low-income families” by DeAndrea Salvador 

Every month, millions of Americans struggle to afford their electricity bills. Many people often have to choose between paying for energy to power their homes or paying for other necessities like food, diapers, or medicine. In this TED Talk, Salvador discusses how we can alleviate energy burdens and ensure equitable access to clean energy in every community. Watch her TED Talk here.

“School strike for climate—save the world by changing the rules” by Greta Thunberg

The world-famous Swedish teenage climate activist discusses how she first learned about climate change and why she can’t stay quiet on the most important issue facing our planet today—and why we shouldn’t either. Watch her TED Talk here.

"Why I protest for climate justice" by Jane Fonda 

In this discussion from 2019, actress Jane Fonda talks about her Fire Drill Friday protests, the impacts of civil disobedience, what inspires her to fight against climate change, and how others can get involved in the fight. Watch her TED Talk here.

“The most important thing you can do to fight climate change: talk about it” by Dr. Katharine Hayhoe

This atmospheric climate scientist and professor breaks down the most effective way to talk about climate change with people who might not believe in it—and why doing so is such a crucial part of the fight to save our planet. Watch her TED Talk here.

“How empowering women and girls can help stop global warming” by Katharine Wilkinson

Known for her work at the intersection of climate, gender equality, and women’s leadership, Wilkinson shares 3 ways how educating and empowering women around the world can help curb global warming. Watch her TED Talk here.

"How to transform sinking cities into landscapes that fight floods" by Kotchakorn Voraakhom 

Voraakhom has experienced the impacts of climate change in her home of Bangkok, Thailand—one of many cities around the world facing the threat of sea level rise. She discusses how Bangkok has implemented innovative solutions such as anti-flood parks that can help fight flooding in low-lying coastal cities. Watch her TED Talk here.

"Greening the ghetto" by Majora Carter 

Carter gave this TED Talk on environmental justice in 2006, but unfortunately, it’s still relevant today. She discusses her experiences with air pollution and other environmental injustices in the South Bronx and focuses on the idea that “no community should be saddled with more environmental burdens and less environmental benefits than any other.” Watch her TED Talk here.

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