End-Permian Extinction Teaches us About Climate Action | Tara Nair | TEDxSouth Delaware Street Youth
The Permian extinction, also known as the Great Dying, was the single most devastating mass extinction event in Earth’s history. Its causes? Global warming, ocean acidification, acid rain, and the depletion of the ozone layer. Sound familiar? The Permian extinction and today’s climate crisis have a number of troubling parallels. But there is a key difference: we have the agency take action. This talk will begin by exploring how the Permian extinction proves that we are manufacturing the conditions for another mass extinction. Next, it will unpack how the Great Dying revealed the fragility of our ecosystem and what the warning signs are. Then, how Permian extinction highlights the importance of mitigating risks in destabilized regions and funding climate research. The talk concludes by discussing lesser-known climate innovations, and why every action matters. Tara is a high school junior at Hamilton High. She’s passionate about problem-solving and spreading science education. Outside of school, she’s involved in STEM tutoring, running youth workshops for science, web development, and volunteering for local science centers. Her recent climate research has opened her eyes to the field of geoengineering, as well as the critical significance of creating a shift in climate perception. She believes that climate innovations are among the most crucial of our time, and that the lack of funding for these solutions reflects a broader lack of urgency in addressing the climate crisis. Her goal is to contribute to problem-solving in this field, as well as the others that impact my community. In the future, she plans to pursue a career in engineering, where she hopes to continue making efforts to develop solutions that address real-world issues. 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
- 15:00The Art of Impossible: Mastering Magic in the Modern Age | Mr. Aditya Kodmur | TEDxKIITUniversityAditya Kodmur is a phenomenally talented Indian magician and illusionist who has achieved remarkable recognition at an extraordinarily young age. Born on September 2, 2004, in Gulbarga, Karnataka, this 20 year old prodigy has established himself as one of India's most promising and innovative magical performers. His exceptional repertoire encompasses advanced sleight of hand techniques, precision card throwing, mind reading, sophisticated deception artistry, and captivating modern illusions. Aditya's technical mastery and creative approach to magic have distinguished him in a field traditionally dominated by seasoned performers, showcasing an intuitive understanding of audience psychology and performance dynamics. His extraordinary talent has earned him multiple Guinness World Records, including the prestigious record for the most playing cards thrown into watermelons in one minute - a feat that demonstrates both his precision and unique approach to combining traditional magic skills with innovative challenges. These international recognitions have positioned him as a standout performer on the global magic stage. His performances have captivated audiences across India, where his blend of classical magical techniques with contemporary presentation styles has redefined expectations for modern magic shows. His ability to seamlessly integrate mind reading, illusions, and technical precision creates immersive experiences that leave audiences both mystified and thoroughly entertained. Aditya Kodmur is an Indian magician, illusionist, and Guinness World Record holder, renowned for his exceptional sleight of hand, card throwing, and modern magic performances. Born on September 2, 2004, in Gulbarga, Karnataka, he has gained national recognition for his mastery in mind reading, deception, and illusions. Aditya holds multiple Guinness World Records, including the most playing cards thrown into watermelons in one minute. His innovative magic and technical precision have captivated audiences across India, making him one of the most promising young magicians in the country. 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
- 14:52Entrepreneurship & Impact | Mr. Elwinder Singh | TEDxKIITUniversityElwinder Singh is a visionary entrepreneur and healthcare innovator whose pioneering work has revolutionized India's healthcare accessibility landscape. As co-founder of Connect and Heal (CNH), he has spearheaded a comprehensive healthcare transformation that has directly impacted over 6 million people across more than 400 organizations nationwide. His innovative healthcare platform offers a complete ecosystem of critical services including 24x7 telemedicine consultations, emergency ambulance support, personalized home care solutions, and specialized corporate health programs. This holistic approach has bridged the gap between healthcare providers and patients, making quality medical care accessible to millions across India's diverse geographic and economic landscape. His exceptional contributions to healthcare innovation have earned him prestigious recognition, including being featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (2023) and receiving the BW Healthcare World 40 Under 40 Awards. These accolades underscore his role as a transformative leader in the healthcare sector. His professional foundation includes valuable experience at leading global consulting firms Roland Berger and A.T. Kearney, where he developed strategic expertise that he now applies to healthcare challenges. As a One Young World Ambassador, Elwinder represents the next generation of global leaders committed to creating positive social impact. His work exemplifies how innovative thinking combined with entrepreneurial execution can catalyze meaningful change in critical sectors, establishing new benchmarks for accessible, technology-driven healthcare solutions that serve both individual patients and large-scale organizational needs. Elwinder Singh’s trailblazing journey and remarkable accomplishments embody the essence of innovation and leadership. As the co-founder of Connect and Heal (CNH), he has transformed India’s healthcare landscape by offering critical services such as 24x7 telemedicine, ambulance support, home care, and corporate health solutions, impacting over 6 million people across 400+ organizations. Featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (2023) and honored with the BW Healthcare World 40 Under 40 Awards, Elwinder’s dedication to accessible healthcare has set new benchmarks in the industry. As a One Young World Ambassador with experience at Roland Berger and A.T. Kearney, his work exemplifies how innovation can catalyze transformative change in the healthcare sector. 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
- 10:13The Hidden Power of a Bilingual Brain | Ariana Rahman | TEDxSouth Delaware Street YouthWhat if the greatest tools for solving complex problems weren’t found in labs or textbooks, but in the words we speak every day? Growing up bilingual, I learned that language is more than communication. It’s a way of seeing the world. Translating for my grandmother as a child, I discovered that every word carries shades of meaning, and that waiting in the space of uncertainty often reveals deeper truths. This practice of patience and perspective would later shape how I approach science and research. Studies confirm what many bilinguals experience firsthand: switching between languages rewires the brain. It builds cognitive flexibility, sharpens critical thinking, and even reduces decision-making biases. Beyond cognition, bilingualism strengthens empathy by training us to navigate multiple cultural frameworks, helping us understand others with nuance and compassion. But this ability is fragile. Every two weeks, a language disappears, and with it vanishes a unique blueprint for problem-solving, healing, and human connection. In this talk, I share how embracing and preserving languages can spark creativity, fuel diplomacy, and even safeguard knowledge vital for our future. The courage to learn, preserve, and speak each other’s languages may just be the key to uniting us all. Ariana Rahman is an undergraduate student at Arizona State University, where she studies Biomedical Sciences and Bioinformatics as a Flinn Scholar. She is passionate about bridging medicine, research, and advocacy, with a focus on refugee health and cancer immunology. Ariana has conducted research at Stanford’s AI in Medicine Lab and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, presented at national conferences, and currently works for Pfizer. She also serves on the National Youth Council at Project Unloaded and leads health equity initiatives through UNICEF USA and the Refugee Education and Clinic Team at ASU. As a bilingual researcher and science educator, Ariana believes that language is not just a tool for communication but a framework for discovery. Her long-term goal is to become a physician-scientist working at the intersection of public health and education. 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
- 14:18From Scratch to Scale, With Care | Manika Tandon | TEDxKharadi SalonFrom Mirzapur to unicorn and beyond — I joined Cars24 with no offer letter, no pay, and turned chaos into scale. Now I run Pawfect Chefs, a pet care company. We don’t blitzscale, we slow-cook success — one handwritten label at a time. Single, never-married mother by choice, I juggle pitch decks and playground slides. Courage is showing up anyway — chai in hand, sleeves rolled. Manika Tandon is a bold tech leader and entrepreneur driven by grit, empathy, and innovation. An IT engineer with an MBA in Strategy & Marketing, she built a strong foundation at Accenture, Sapient, Wipro, and Cognizant before joining Cars24 as a founding member. There, she played a key role in scaling the company to unicorn status, eventually becoming CEO of one of its verticals. Today, she leads an AI-powered pet care startup that blends technology with deep personalization, reshaping how pets are cared for in India. A single mother by choice, Manika challenges stereotypes and builds businesses with heart and resilience. She proves that the extraordinary isn’t about privilege—it’s about showing up, staying in the game, and building with intent. 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
- 15:48Who's Culture trains AI? | Alvin O. Forteta | TEDxYolaAt TEDxYola, Alvin Forteta delivers a powerful talk titled “Who’s Culture Trains AI?”, exploring the urgent need for Africans—and Nigerians in particular—to shape artificial intelligence that reflects our own culture, values, and lived realities. In a world where most AI systems are trained with data far removed from our context, Alvin calls for ownership, representation, and the creation of models that speak to us and for us.This timely and thought-provoking conversation urges us not to fear AI, but to collaborate with it—to embrace the profound synergy between human insight and machine intelligence. It’s a call to rise, not apart from AI, but with it. Alvin O. Forteta—widely known as The Oracle—is a technology leader and researcher shaping the future of AI, digital governance, and education in Africa.He leads Institutional Research and Effectiveness at the American University of Nigeria and is a Ph.D. candidate exploring digital governance in higher education.Alvin has driven major ICT transformations across universities, built testing centers for underserved communities, and co-authored research on ICT innovation in developing economies.With certifications in AI, cloud computing, and data analytics, Alvin bridges academic insight with real-world impact. 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
- 12:25Memória à prova: Entre o esforço e o esquecimento | Pedro Albuquerque | TEDxAveiroDoutorado em Psicologia, a memória humana é uma das minhas maiores paixões! Pedro Albuquerque é professor na Universidade do Minho e dirige um grupo de investigação que se dedica a responder a perguntas como: como podemos melhorar a memória de testemunhas?; porque é que ler em voz alta melhora a memória?; podemos mesmo criar memórias falsas?; e memória é como um filme? Na talk “Memória à prova: Entre o esforço e o esquecimento”, Pedro Albuquerque revela como o esquecimento pode não ser uma falha. Uma reflexão provocadora sobre o que guardamos, o que perdemos e porquê. A memória humana é uma das minhas maiores paixões! Licenciei-me e doutorei-me em Psicologia e tenho procurado perceber melhor como esquecemos, mas sobretudo como recordamos. Sou professor na Universidade do Minho e desde 2006 dirijo um grupo de investigação que se dedica a responder a perguntas como: como podemos melhorar a memória de testemunhas?; porque é que ler em voz alta melhora a memória?; podemos mesmo criar memórias falsas?; e memória é como um filme? Escolhi a Psicologia "por acaso". Mas não há dúvida que há mesmo acasos felizes. 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