At Talks at Google, Peter Kohler (The Plastic Tide) and Dr. Stefan Leutenegger (Imperial College London) discuss the escalating ocean plastic crisis. They highlight how plastic threatens a vital

At Talks at Google, Peter Kohler (The Plastic Tide) and Dr. Stefan Leutenegger (Imperial College London) discuss the escalating ocean plastic crisis. They highlight how plastic threatens a vital $5 trillion economic resource and humanity's life support.

The Plastic Tide initiative quantifies this problem using drone imagery and machine learning. Their work involves a vast drone imagery database and a deep-learning algorithm for plastic detection and geo-referenced mapping.

The speakers will present early results, related research, and future strategies to limit ocean plastic. Learn more about their efforts at The Plastic Tide.

UNDESA, in collaboration with the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Ocean, Ambassador Peter Thomson, hosted a webinar on November 10 (9-11 AM EST). The event aimed to mobilize public

UNDESA, in collaboration with the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Ocean, Ambassador Peter Thomson, hosted a webinar on November 10 (9-11 AM EST). The event aimed to mobilize public and private sector resources for SDG14 implementation, strategically integrate the ocean-climate link into investment decisions, and share innovative financing tools.

The webinar featured an opening segment and a high-level panel discussion, moderated by Ambassador Thomson. Welcome remarks were delivered by the Permanent Representatives of Kenya and Portugal, co-hosts of the 2020 Ocean Conference, alongside senior UN officials including Mr. Liu Zhenmin and Miguel de Serpa Soares.

Princeton Bioethics professor Peter Singer, author of "Animal Liberation Now," challenges our factory food systems and the psychology behind them. He examines ethical dilemmas concerning animal

Princeton Bioethics professor Peter Singer, author of "Animal Liberation Now," challenges our factory food systems and the psychology behind them. He examines ethical dilemmas concerning animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and speciesism, advocating for a shift towards ethical eating.

Singer proposes plant-based diets and cultured meat as sustainable alternatives, emphasizing the importance of considering suffering. His influential work, which inspired effective altruism, encourages informed dietary choices for a more ethical and sustainable future.

Explore more: Subscribe to Big Think on YouTube: Big Think YouTube. Watch "Change your diet, extend your life": Video Link. Become a Big Think Member: Members. Guide leaders with Big Think+ for Business: Big Think+.

Dr. Peter Victor, Professor and past-Dean of Environmental Studies at York University, argues that economic growth, the primary global policy objective, is unsustainable. Its long-term viability

Dr. Peter Victor, Professor and past-Dean of Environmental Studies at York University, argues that economic growth, the primary global policy objective, is unsustainable. Its long-term viability is increasingly questioned due to environmental impacts, resource scarcity, and its failure to significantly improve happiness, eliminate poverty, or create full employment.

A simulation model of the Canadian economy demonstrates that full employment, poverty eradication, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and fiscal balance are achievable without economic growth. Victor advocates shifting focus from growth to specific objectives directly related to human and planetary well-being.

Mr. Peter Thomson holds the distinguished position of Special Envoy for the Ocean.

In this vital role, he is dedicated to advancing global efforts for marine conservation and sustainable

Mr. Peter Thomson holds the distinguished position of Special Envoy for the Ocean.

In this vital role, he is dedicated to advancing global efforts for marine conservation and sustainable ocean management.

His work encompasses advocating for policy changes and fostering international cooperation to protect our planet's oceans.

Dr. Peter G. Brown, Professor of Geography at McGill University, discusses key points from his book, "Right Relationship: Building a Whole Earth Economy," co-authored with Geoffrey

Dr. Peter G. Brown, Professor of Geography at McGill University, discusses key points from his book, "Right Relationship: Building a Whole Earth Economy," co-authored with Geoffrey Garver.

He argues that our current economic system, which assumes endless growth and limitless wealth, ignores Earth's finite resources. This leads to increasing environmental destruction and growing, sometimes lethal, tension between rich and poor, global north and south.

Piecemeal solutions are insufficient. We need a comprehensive new economic vision that serves both people and all of life's commonwealth.

Sea ice is melting at both poles. New technology reveals rugged undersides of Antarctic ice shelves, accelerating their melt from warm water. Scientists Peter Wadhams and Patrick Hogan explain

Sea ice is melting at both poles. New technology reveals rugged undersides of Antarctic ice shelves, accelerating their melt from warm water. Scientists Peter Wadhams and Patrick Hogan explain that this massive ice loss shifts Earth's mass, increasing tectonic activity and altering ocean currents, with significant implications for sea-level rise.

We must abandon linear thinking for exponential climate changes. Coastal communities face growing danger; rebuilding oceanfront areas after increasingly powerful storms is unsustainable. This increased tectonic activity also raises earthquake likelihood.

For more information on the state of our planet, visit the FacingFuture Library.