The Amazon Rainforest doesn’t need saving, it needs justice | Antonella Di Ciano | TEDxDuke
The Amazon is under attack—not just from deforestation, but from a vast network of illegal economies. This talk unveils the urgent need for regional action and justice before we reach the tipping point. Antonella Di Ciano is a Fulbright Scholar pursuing a Master’s in International Development at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy. She has worked as Regional Coordinator for Instituto Igarapé, a Brazil-based think-and-do tank focused on security, justice, and development in the Amazon. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, she holds a B.A. in International Studies from the Central University of Venezuela and an M.A. in Anti-Corruption Policies from Salamanca University. With six years of experience in project management and conflict resolution, she served as Programme Officer for the Conflict, Stability, and Security Fund (CSSF) across six Latin American countries, tackling corruption and environmental crime. Antonella co-founded Proyecto De La Mano, an NGO addressing humanitarian issues in Venezuela. She has spoken at global forums, including Davos 2024, highlighting links between environmental degradation and organized crime in the Amazon. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 10:36让金融思维成为你的超能力Make Financial Thinking Your Superpower | Jack Li | TEDxGuilin如何利用金融思维让自己的生活过得更好?演讲者提出了几点行动建议。How can one utilize financial thinking to lead a better life? The speaker put forward several suggestions for action. Master of Finance from Pace University in New York, USAChartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIAFinancial Risk Manager (FRMU.S. Securities Broker (Series 7/63)Partner of Kuangke TechnologyPartner/Investment Manager of Huidi Investment Management (Beijing) Co., LTDHe/She once worked for Man Group, one of the world's largest hedge fund companies, and served as the chief representative of China This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 17:57If I could do it then so can you | Amina Nijam | TEDxSJCETPalaiWhat if your biggest failures were actually your greatest teachers?In this vulnerable and inspiring TEDx talk, Amina shares how two public failures—one as a schoolchild frozen on stage, the other at her first-ever film audition—sparked a lifelong journey of self-transformation. From being mocked as the "National Anthem Girl" to sharing a stage with her childhood idol, her story is a testament to the power of small, intentional habits: reading to understand the mind, observing deeply, and applying knowledge with purpose.With wisdom grounded in lived experience, she reminds us that greatness often begins quietly—through subtle choices, quiet growth, and the courage to try again. It’s not the spotlight, but the little steps in the shadows that shape who we become. Amina Nijam is a talented and versatile actor who first gained recognition through the acting reality show "Nayika Nayakan" in 2018. She made her film debut in the 2020 blockbuster crime thriller "Anjaam Pathiraa" and has since appeared in several notable films, including "Aaraam Thirukalpana," "Turkish Tharkkam," "Mayavanam," and "Pattapakal." She also worked with Mammootty in "Turbo." Beyond films, Amina has showcased her acting prowess in popular web series such as "Love Out for Delivery," "Feny," "Sebastiante Velliyazhcha," and "Life Jor Season 2." Her performances in short films like "The Chef" and "Bakku" have also been widely appreciated.Additionally, Amina has made notable appearances in music videos, including "Vellikkolusin" and "Njanaa." This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 17:01女性出海:打破偏见,拥抱世界舞台How can women achieve a turnaround in their lives | Anfeng Wan | TEDxGuilinHow to achieve a life turnaround? How did the speaker manage to strive all the way from the countryside to the world stage? Here are some insights and methodologies to share with more women, hoping to encourage more people to break through prejudice and traditional fixed thinking, and bravely pursue their dreams!如何实现人生逆袭?演讲者从农村一路拼搏走上世界舞台,她是如何做到的?有一些心得方法论分享给更多的女性们,希望鼓励更多人打破偏见和传统固化思维,勇敢追梦! Formerly served as the vice president of OPPO Philippines brand, promoted the "Selfie Expert" brand phenomenon, and helped OPPO become the most famous mobile phone brand in the Philippine market.Previously served as the General Manager of J&T Express in Saudi Arabia and Vice President of the Middle East, leading the rapid implementation of the business in Saudi Arabia from scratch and building a local team of over 3,000 people.I was invited to serve as a logistics advisor for the China-Saudi Arabia Investment Conference and a speaker at the logistics sub-forum. I was also the sole representative of a Chinese enterprise at the official dinner of the Asia Logistics Biennale in Saudi Arabia.Build a government and resource liaison system for Chinese enterprises to "go global in Saudi Arabia", and provide practical solutions for Chinese-funded enterprises.Plan a cultural exchange salon between China and Saudi Arabia, establish a community of women in both countries, and promote dialogue between art and the community. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 11:39当坠落成为攀登的起点|My Extreme Journey and Life Lessons | Ting Xiao | TEDxGuilinBecause of her passion for rock climbing, an extreme sport, a woman who has experienced falling off a cliff twice and almost being crushed to pieces will have what insights into life when she is on the verge of death?因为热爱攀岩这项极限运动,经历过两次从悬崖上摔下来的女人,在濒临死亡的时候,她对生活有什么独特的感悟? The initiator of China Rock Transmission and Rock Exploration ChinaGoPro China Image AmbassadorChina's first woman completed 5.13D and 5.14A (Chinese rock climbing) This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 13:12The Power of Being Perceptive | Adam Cooper | TEDxBryantUWhat’s more powerful: knowing the right answer or noticing the right question?In this insightful TEDx talk, "The Power of Being Perceptive," serial entrepreneur and former award-winning television personality, Adam Cooper, explores the subtle yet extraordinary strength of perception—the ability to read between the lines, sense what’s not being said, and recognize opportunities that data alone can’t reveal. From engaging stories and 'what-if' scenarios, to US military strategy, to managerial practices decades ahead of their time, to the birth of the iPhone, Adam demonstrates how perception can outshine raw intelligence in real-world scenarios.But this isn’t a one-sided argument. The talk also explores when intelligence takes the lead, particularly in high-stakes fields such as medicine and engineering. Packed with humor, relatable moments, and thought-provoking questions, this talk doesn’t hand you an answer—it invites you to consider how both perception and intellect shape your decisions. With humor, insight, and relatable examples, this talk challenges you to rethink how you approach decision-making—whether you're running a business, launching a career, or simply trying to read a room.Adam Cooper won a New York State Broadcasters Award for “Best Documentary” less than five years after graduating from the SI Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University—and he hasn’t slowed down since. He’s excelled in major market TV news and built a dynamic career across multiple entrepreneurial ventures.A pioneer in using storytelling as a marketing tool before “content marketing” was even a term, Adam has a proven ability to spot emerging trends across media, marketing, sales, and business. His early adoption of digital and social media—back when MySpace was still more popular than Facebook—earned him the respect of his peers. His name became synonymous with being a forward thinker. Over his 30+ year career, Adam has worked with publicly traded companies such as Hasbro, Tribune, and Goodbaby International, and has gained agency-side experience working on digital campaigns for brands like eBay and The Home Depot.Today, Adam is the founder and CEO of Raddl, Inc., an early-stage startup using patent-pending technology to bring transparency and trust to the consumer product review space—connecting companies and consumers through the world’s only transactional product review platform. Adam also shares his expertise with the next generation of entrepreneurs as an adjunct professor at Bryant University. Adam is an experienced professional in digital marketing and entrepreneurship. As the CEO and Founder of Raddl, he has been leveraging AI and honest consumer reviews to reshape how products are bought and sold, focusing on zero-party data collection and review seeding since 2020. He is also currently serving as an adjunct professor in the Department of Entrepreneurship at Bryant University, where he shares his wealth of knowledge with aspiring entrepreneurs. Adam has previously held leadership roles in digital marketing at CYBEX and Stone Temple Consulting, where he led content strategies and digital campaigns for large clients, including eBay and The Home Depot. His career has been marked by a strong strategic vision and a successful track record of managing large-scale projects and building relationships with key stakeholders. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Adam worked with Hasbro as a Global Brand Marketing Producer, managing cross-functional teams and overseeing the execution of global marketing campaigns for iconic brands like Transformers, Marvel, and Star Wars. His expertise in project management, budgeting, and creative content development helped bring numerous projects to fruition. Adam's accomplishments also include leading the development of CYBEX's first e-commerce platform and managing consumer review platforms like Bazaarvoice and Amazon Vine. Throughout his career, Adam has demonstrated a commitment to driving innovation and growth, whether in the corporate world or through his entrepreneurial endeavors. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 15:46How AI Hijacks Your Brain's Love Circuits | Matthew Blakemore | TEDxVitoshaWhat if your brain can't tell the difference between human connection and AI interaction? This talk reveals how our brains process artificial intimacy in surprisingly similar ways to human relationships. Using custom neuroscience software that measures brain waves and blood flow in real-time, Matthew demonstrates how AI connections can activate the same neurological pathways associated with love and sexual attraction. Through the diverse perspectives of Reba C. Thomas (celebrity sexuality educator), James J. Sexton (renowned divorce lawyer exploring AI's impact on human relationships), and Roy Stride (lead singer of Scouting for Girls), it explores what these findings mean for the future of human connection. Are you afraid that AI might replace you? Recent years have seen rapid technological advancements and countless scenarios for the future—and this is just the beginning. But fear not—Matthew Blakemore, the ethical AI ambassador, is here to show that AI is not a threat but an ally. As CEO of AI Caramba!, Matthew leads efforts to make AI responsible and practical, enhancing human creativity instead of replacing it. He’s also one of the lead authors of the ISO/IEC 8183 AI Data Lifecycle Standard, shaping AI governance in over 165 countries. And that’s not all. On IMDb, you’ll find Matthew credited as a producer of award-winning AI-powered films, celebrated by the European Broadcasting Union. Beyond film, he’s revolutionizing fashion. His app, Looks Good On Me, earned him and his co-founder the Prince Abdul Aziz Entrepreneurship Award, transforming online shopping forever. Matthew Blakemore won’t demystify AI—he’ll reveal how it can unlock new possibilities. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx