TED Talks Daily Are we the last generation -- or the first sustainable one? | Hannah Ritchie
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Sep 22, 2023 
Hannah Ritchie, an environmental data scientist focused on human progress and sustainability, challenges common perceptions about sustainability. She presents a compelling case for humanity to become the first truly sustainable generation. Ritchie highlights recent advancements in carbon emissions reduction and renewable energy innovations. She shifts the narrative from despair over climate change to opportunities for growth, urging nations to adopt cleaner technologies while emphasizing that sustainability can enhance both well-being and innovation.
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Redefining Sustainability
- Humanity has never been truly sustainable historically.
- Our ancestors had low environmental impact due to high child mortality and small populations, not mindful practices.
The Cost of Progress
- Progress in well-being came at an environmental cost, like burning fossil fuels and expanding farmland.
- This has led to anxieties about a doomed future, but newer data suggests a turning point.
Generational Footprint
- Hannah Ritchie's carbon footprint is less than half of her grandparents'.
- The UK's emissions have halved despite increased GDP, showcasing decoupling, though offshoring plays a role.