🌏 A Planet in Crisis
We were reminded — in stark terms — of the state of our planet. Six of the nine planetary boundaries have been breached. One-third of global food is wasted, yet two billion people go to bed hungry. Professor Corey Bradshaw called humanity the “ultimate ecosystem engineers”. Professor Andrew Pask revealed that we've lost two-thirds of the planet’s wildlife, and Australia ranks second in the world for biodiversity loss, leads the world in mammal extinctions and has been named as the only developed nation on a global deforestation hotspot list.
From climate change to species loss, the message was clear: we are out of balance — but not beyond hope.
🔁 The Power of Transformation
The event’s central theme — Three Horizons: Triage, Transition, Transformation — ran through every talk. These stages map how we must respond to global challenges: stabilise the damage, shift our systems, and imagine bold new futures.
Sarah Wilson and Simon Holmes à Court pushed us to think big and act boldly. Holmes à Court shared the legacy of Buckminster Fuller and the concept of being a "trim tab" — a small part that can steer enormous change. This idea was echoed in Australia's recent surge of support for independent candidates focused on community and sustainability.
Damon Gameau spoke about "The Future Council" and the importance of intergenerational thinking, while Barry Irvin championed the circular economy, with dreams of turning the Bega Valley into the most circular region on Earth.
🤖 Technology: Peril or Promise?
The AI revolution was another key thread. Several speakers, including Matt Kupetholz, warned that AI is evolving faster than our ability to regulate or fully understand it. With AI singularity potentially arriving by 2027, urgent questions about ethics, control, and trust are at the forefront.
Still, some saw hope in tech: Professor Pask discussed de-extinction science and using advanced biology to revive species like the Tasmanian Tiger. “We can use technology,” he said, “to fix some of our past mistakes.”
🌿 Indigenous Wisdom & Connection
One of the most profound takeaways came from Indigenous voices. An elder from far North Queensland shared how sea levels are threatening her island home — a crisis her father foresaw decades ago. In Indigenous law, everything is relational — people, land, animals, all
interconnected. This holistic worldview offers a vital perspective for reimagining justice systems and environmental care.
🎶 Art, Emotion and Connection
The event wasn't just cerebral — it was deeply emotional and creative. A phenomenal all-women drum band set the tone. We heard a poem-opera fusion from Jessica Chapnik Kahn, a soul-stirring sing-along with Gina Chick, and a haunting video by Tom Nash titled Last Meal. Musician Luke O’Shea also brought stories to life with song.
🦗 Tiny Creatures, Big Impact
Dr. Tanya Latty, an insect scientist, reminded us that no creature is too small to matter. Insects make up an estimated 75% of all animal species, yet they’re rapidly disappearing. Her rallying cry: “You can’t care about animals without caring about insects.” She offered actionable advice, from planting native flowers to eliminating pesticides in urban gardens — simple changes that build thriving, biodiverse cities.
✨ Final Thoughts
TEDxSydney 2025 left us stirred, inspired, and slightly overwhelmed — in the best way possible. From the stark realities of climate and technology to the soulful promise of circular economies, Indigenous wisdom, and scientific innovation, one thing is clear: the future isn't something that happens to us. It’s something we must actively shape — together.
Written by Jessica Mével — thank you for the opportunity to attend.
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