For the first time, the County of Hawai‘i has teamed up with TEDx to host a group of local thought-leaders in conjunction with the TED Countdown event and summit. The Countdown is a global initiative to champion and accelerate solutions to the climate crisis, turning ideas into action. Ahead of the pivotal 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, the Countdown Summit will unveil some of the imaginative and scalable solutions that we’ll need to turn the tide on climate change and create a healthier and more equitable world for all.
On November 13th, speakers from across Hawai‘i rooted on Hawaiʻi Island will convene to share their perspective on the event’s theme, “Local Insights Grow Global Solutions.” The presenters vary in expertise covering everything from energy and technology to Hawaiian culture, botany, chemistry, and design. The virtual event will broadcast all 10 presentations along with live Q&As and messages from other local leaders on the urgent steps we all can take to reduce our carbon impact and curtail the effects of Climate Change.
This year’s speakers include:
Dr. Greg Asner – Arizona State University Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science
Celeste Connors – Hawaiʻi Green Growth Local2030 Hub
John De Fries – Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority
Brandon Jirō Hayashi MSc, CEM – Terraformation
Robert K. Iopa – WCIT Architecture
Dr. Katie L. Kamelamela – Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests
Dr. Cliff Kapono – Professional Surfer, Chemist and Journalist
Kekuhi Kealiikanakaoleohaililani – Hālau ʻŌhiʻa
Mahina Paishon-Duarte – Waiwai Collective, ʻĀina Aloha Economic Futures
Yishan Wong – Terraformation
In addition to the County hosting the event, a growing list of sponsors and supporting organizations are getting involved. Nā Leo TV, University of Hawai‘i, ASU Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science, Hawai‘i Green Growth, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests, Terraformation, Hawai‘i Groundwater & Geothermal Resources Center, WCIT Architecture, Hawai‘i Marine Education and Research Center, Waiwai Collective, Hālau ‘Ōhi‘a, Big Island Grown, the Aloha Plus Challenge, Hawaiian Electric, Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, SSFM International, Nicholson Hawai‘i, Build Your Dreams, Tinguely Development, HPM Building Supply, Andrew Richard Hara, BREW, SSFM International, are all on board to show their support for this inaugural TEDx event.
This event is already proving evident that through organized efforts, strong leadership, compassionate listening, and a merging of indigenous wisdom with innovative technology and ideas, Hawai‘i can become the epicenter for a necessary global change.
You can read full bios on all of the speakers, learn more about the Countdown and register for this year’s TEDxCounty of Hawai‘i event for free at TEDxCountyofHawaii.com.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
About TED
TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Started as a four-day conference in California 30 years ago, TED has grown to support its mission with multiple initiatives. The two annual TED Conferences invite the world's leading
thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes or less. Many of these talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Sal Khan, and Daniel Kahneman.
The annual TED Conference takes place each spring in Vancouver, British Columbia. TED's media initiatives include TED.com, where new TED Talks are posted daily; TED Translators, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as translations from volunteers worldwide; the educational initiative TED-Ed. In addition, TED has established The Audacious Project that takes a collaborative approach to fund ideas with the potential to create change at a thrilling scale; TEDx, which supports individuals or groups in hosting local, self-organized TED-style events around the world, and the TED Fellows program, helping world-changing innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activities.