Permaculture: Geoff Lawton at TEDxAjman

About The Speaker:
Geoff Lawton is an internationally - renowned permaculture educator, consultant and practitioner. He emigrated from England to Australia and later studied permaculture with Bill Mollison in Tasmania. He established the Permaculture Research Institute at Tagari Farm in New South Wales, Australia, a 147 acre farmstead previously developed by Mollison. PRI was eventually moved to Zaytuna Farm, in The Channon, where it continues today.
Since 1985, Geoff has designed and implemented permaculture projects in 30 countries for private individuals and groups, communities, governments, aid organizations, & multinational corporations. He has taught the Permaculture Design Certificate course and designed permaculture projects in 30 countries. The Permaculture Research Institute supports the establishments of Permaculture Master Plan sites worldwide as demonstration sites and education centers that network their research information through. www.permacultureglobal.com.
About TEDx:
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
This event was held in Ajman, UAE.
31st of March, 2012

[@louisegogel7973]

And what a wonderfully successful demonstration area Geoff started in Jordan! It is expanding, inspiring, and succeeding on so many levels.

[@TheDaedalx]

Permaculture : The practice and moral obligation to put ecology before profits.

[@willemienvanrooyen565]

TheDaedalx ko

[@justgivemethetruth]

Actually i don't think that is true ... maybe if you qualified that by saying short-term profits. Permaculture is a foundation for productivity, and without some kind of sustainable process it all goes away.

[@man8god]

Permaculture creates abundance. Profits are saved abundance. Permaculture creates profits

[@ArcaneExploratorium]

Permaculture Principles dictate that the system must be sustainable in a way that actually creates enough to replace itself with surplus. It also prefers that the inputs not come from outside the system.

[@carolameyer7915]

Permaculture IS a sustainable process, definitely not a short-term solution.

[@bte_permaculture]

Now I am proud to say that we are Permaculturists ♥️😄🙏 The video that changed it all for us, now coming back to this video after years I realise the power of words and actions in our life. Thank you Sensei ♥️😊

[@shofarmvt]

This is the best and most universal articulation of permaculture design that I have ever heard. Beautiful! I look forward to the next TED talk from Geoff where he integrates the many successes achieved with this design and worldview approach. Thank you Geoff!

[@peaceweaver12]

this is a holistic mind, the context is applicable to considerations and application of nearly any topic. extraordinary wisdom

[@miracleshappen4483]

God Bless Geoff Lawton and all his teams regreening the planet! 😍🌏🙏 I love you!

[@Bhavs62]

This intelligence resonates with me. Geoff's talk is all good sense, positivity and Ethical thinking.

[@bubblygranolachick]

Hands down one of the most exciting people I want to meet and look up to!!

[@kristineclay8075]

Dsndicmsa you need to look up mr.lawtons efforts in Jordan. Greening the desert is a great documentary that SHOWS the effects of proper permaculture design

[@pac3lli]

Geoff you are simply brilliant. Keep up the great work and thank you again for answering my questions in your interview with Paul Wheaton on his podcast at permies.com. I really hope that you visit with Paul again soon! -JoePacelli

[@srinivasaraom393]

One of the best speeches I ever listened. Thankyou, Jeoff.

[@BryanKale777]

Wish more people "Got it" PERMACULTURE IS THE FUTURE

[@branimirmarold7343]

future is permaculture :P

[@theomniscientogoftheintern8889]

Permaculture future is. ~Yoda

[@theomniscientogoftheintern8889]

بو فهد 👍

[@brycewellington4230]

It is also the way of the distant past

[@nessys123]

have you?

[@sharonhawke3530]

On a positive note.....permaculture ROCKS!....it is soooooo the way of the future....would happily quit my job as a nurse to take this globally....Onya Geoff!

[@Tom.Livanos]

To the criticisers of his presentation, it is in a part of the world where oil depletion is a way of life. Dubai, the United Arab Emirates' largest city, is an exemplar of adopting take-make-waste industrial processes. Ajman is adjacent to Dubai. Audience members may not be fluent in English. How much would you expect *yourself* to convey in 18 minutes? If you want to see examples of how permaculture works, there are videos on KZbin which show it to you. Some of those are also done by Geoff Lawton. 'Greening the desert', mentioned by some already, is an example. It runs for 05m:22s. I spoke to Geoff Lawton on the telephone the first time I called his property in eastern Australia. I had not had any contact with him before. It remains the only time I have contacted him and I know that he is a contactable person. Now, I look forward to seeing videos of criticisers who have challenged themselves as much as he has and been more effective.

[@chicofoxo]

Tom Livanos You just answered yourself. If he has a demonstration video of how he reversed desertification that lasted 5mins, then he can easily fit that into his 18minute talk. If he wants to convince people - you have to show examples partly as proof of concept, partly as a teaching aid, partly to keep the audience engaged. 18 minutes is a ridiculously long time for any talk. Also, you said, "audience members may not be fluent in English" - well that's precisely why you should have more photos - and cut out all that vague abstract terminology - a picture speaks a thousand words in any language!

[@chicofoxo]

Tom Livanos I don't know jack shit about permaculture and that's why I came to this video to learn but I can probably do a better talk than this. Imagine photos or simple diagrams on every slide. Slide 1: The status quo of the current world. Slide 2: Problems in the current world. Slide 3: Current solutions to the problems and why they don't work. Slide 4: Permaculture as an alternative. Slide 5: Permaculture explained Slide 6: Example 1. Slide 7: Problems experienced in example 1 Slide 8: Engagement of local people in example 1 Slide 9: Methods used. Slide 10: Before and after - the money shot photo. Slide 11: Benefits measured in example 1 Slide 12: Example 2 from another part of the world. Slide 13: Here's how we did it and why it worked. Repeat for Example 3. Repeat for Example 4. Repeat for Example 5. Slide 20: Link the method to an observation that you found locally here in Ajman. "I was on my way from the airport and couldn't help but notice...", "Going for dinner last night, I realised that Ajman has..." Slide 21: Permaculture can therefore apply to you in this way or that way. Slide 22: Summarise. Slide 23: End on whatever flowery term you would like (that had been used throughout this video).

[@Tom.Livanos]

+chicofoxo Is it your modus operandus to write two replies to the same comment? In the first one, you write that I have answered myself. Have another look at my question. It is specifically directed towards others - especially criticisers (and it is more of a rhetorical question at that.) In other words, it was not a question I asked of myself. Nor have I answered it. I have not attempted to answer it. My comment was more to pass on a message of my experience - again, especially to the criticisers. That, from the opening to your second reply, seems to include you. So, one more time - a little while later and a little more detailed in the hope this message actually registers this time. Here is what you can do (if you want to have any hope of being taken seriously): Step 1: Go out and become an expert at something - even if it takes you decades. It does not even have to be permaculture. Step 2: Through all this, make yourself as contactable as Mr Lawton has made himself. Step 3: Find yourself an audience. Make it an audience as challenging as this one is for a permaculture practitioner and teacher. Step 4: Find someone available to record the video and audio. Then present, on camera, to the audience you found in step three. Step 5: Upload it, along with multiple other videos on the topic of your expertise, onto KZbin. Once you have done all that chicofoxo/anonymous, you may then be in a position to preach to Mr Lawton/to the world on how he should do his presentation. Otherwise, shut up. Give the world a rest and just shut the %^@# up. In the end, what you do is up to you. I know it. You know it too. I can satisfy myself though that I responded to your replies and that I did so in the best way that I was able to muster at this time. There is only one rule in life: don't be a f**ktard. It is - to repeat the bleeding obvious - up to you. Me? Well, on my end, I wish you all the best. Regards, Tom Livanos.

[@branimirmarold7343]

respect

[@naturewoman1274]

Hi Tom, I'm a huge fan of Geoff's I saw your post and I gather you like his work to, check out the weedy gardener, he's fantastic also, take care

[@ThisOrganicLife]

So simply demonstrated and explained Geoff. Congratulations on your TEDx presentation. It is so true regarding your comments that the Middle East as a great area to be introducing permacultural strategy to. Informative and inspiring. I feel so happy to have found this path and to see you leading the way :)

[@pandorasdues1420]

I am a big fan of Geoff's & of Permaculture, but I so wish he would have used this lecture opportunity to talk more of the "nuts & bolts" of Greening the Desert--that is, to begin with examples of the amazing stuff that's been achieved at the Permaculture site near the Dead Sea, and use pictures & descriptions of THAT to then draw the broad conceptual conclusions that instead make up the whole of this talk. The shots of the audience to me looked as if they began very willing to listen, but then began to be lost in abstractions, ending up looking confused. Me too, kind of, and I am fairly familiar with the subject. With all due respect ... P.D.

[@tj21bem]

Please do more TED talks, Mr. Lawton. You've done great works and your videos are very informative. Although the audience in this talk is not as receptive as others, I believe you have planted a seed in their minds. Maybe they haven't seen the "Greening the Desert" videos.

[@louisegogel7973]

I do not see that these people are not receptive, they are from a culture that is different than western cultures.

[@nustada]

"Great people talk about ideas. Average people talk about things. Small people talk about other people."

[@michaelrjohnson11]

Love seeing you on TED. Keep it up Geoff!!

[@josephbagofcarrots168]

Geoff is truly an inspiration!

[@informationwarfare]

I love the concept and share it wherever I can.

[@spiral-m]

Excellent. The answers are all in nature and human higher potential

[@Torbull_The_Q]

My teacher ❤you Goeff, amazing job.

[@skyval7926]

Many of the audience could be using translation devices and I think he's speaking slowly so they have time to hear each word before he speaks again .

[@louisegogel7973]

❤

[@detectiveboink6207]

set speed to 1.5x... you are welcome!

[@StreetBoi69uk]

Love this presentation, it' so inspiring and the Permaculture work is fantastic :D Go Geoff!!!!

[@jillbrunak]

I love his speaking style, besides the substance of his message

[@informationwarfare]

Look up other videos on permaculture and read more about it, it truly is great.

[@WesGordon07]

I guess it just shows by all the comments when it is time for you to really listen and hear what the true message is, then this video will resonate with you and then your journey of changing the planet with your skill set will begin.

[@nicevideomancanada]

Not his best presentation. I couldn't watch it all as there are a lot better ones out there. Thanks for all of your hard work Geoff.

[@andersmichael7220]

+Peter Hall think its cause he needs to be translated meanwhile.. right?

[@osvaldofuentes7116]

Subtitulado al español por favor seria un honor poder ver este video.

[@Jefferdaughter]

Those interested in the topic but disappointed in this presentation can view dynamic videos on many aspects of permaculture on his site: GeoffLawton. On YT, you can see his videos on 'Greening the Desert, and others.

[@kumarlloyd]

Wow. tough audience. I wonder if it was too heady for them. It seems they would need more back round in ecology and permaculture terminology to really get it. Bravo on exposing permaculture to world. ;) love it!

[@AuburnCreed]

I'll never understand why people who have succeeded in life are demonized. No matter the endeavor, it takes resources and motivated people to get something accomplished.

[@teprinebaldo6336]

He is very interesting but I find this talk rather slow moving. I feel like he could be talking about things in their country and culture to improve and not so much a large birds eye view of permaculture

[@wormwarrior44]

Aloha mate, boy you are one cool cucumber, you could feel the vibe all the way in hawaii. Outstanding effort, just need one person to fund another project like greening the desert. Saving the world is a daunting and overwhelming task,so we just going to do it one bucket of worms at a time. Would love for you to visit Hawaii, a PDC, open discussion, farm tours, you and miss Nadia would be a wonderful inspiration to us all. Great surf , nice beaches for miss Latefa lol :) Would love to see yawl

[@jackspatch14]

The more of us that understand and spread the knowledge of this beautiful planet saving method the better! permaculture is a one way ticket to utopia. If you want to do a design course, do it! i learnt more in 2 weeks intense course then i have in my whole school education!

[@guloguloguy]

BRAVO!!!!!!!!! I really agree with your assessment that humans can learn to become a POSITIVE component of LIFE on Earth, by being GOOD STEWARDS of our local, Native, ECOLOGY!!!!!!! This, is what I call the "Good", "CULTURE OF LIFE", (as opposed to the pervasive, "EVIL", "CULTURE OF DEATH" .....which is destroying our "humanity", as well as Threatening, and Endangering all life on Earth!!!!!!)

[@notch156]

The audience look as enthusiastic as a burn victim.

[@WolfNamedJohn]

I agree, this seems awkward and tense. It's like explaining tropical islands to Inuit people.....

[@mtimajere2008]

John Ferris the best comment on the internet

[@xyzsame4081]

I very much doubt he excited the crowd although he is right in what he is saying check out his channel. it comes alive with his Q & A and when he shows the application.

[@ygermino]

my wish is to find more and more locals in the region especially those who have the land to allow revival to happen in their land. honestly.. my wish is to find someone in RIYADH who will allow me to work on their soil for a year or two and do everything i can to put life back into that soil via biomass and organic matter... HELLO... ANYBODY HOME? did I say

[@nadiaoliva2819]

podrian poner los subtitulos gracias

[@NashvilleMonkey1000]

Food Forests are the most ancient climax system of natural food abundance. Time and again ancient leaders wiped out food forests to create dependence on them instead of the land. Thinking today they are new is only a sign of how completely they were wiped off the map. I was born in a food forest, although it was a tiny one, the ancient knowledge is passed down until it can be opened up to everyone, now is the time to rebuild the ancient food forests of the world~

[@funnyguise]

I wished he's shown more examples of his past work

[@christineacastro]

Consider the Permaculture option to improve life on our planet.

[@themdwthemdw]

The audience seems like it could not care less. Haha, oh well. Nice work Geoff!

[@branimirmarold7343]

great ambassador of permaculture, thanks you for sharing and respect!

[@gor4988]

Bill would be proud

[@vicentemaass2089]

What a master...

[@laurentdorget7790]

Yes yes yes go ahead ! I love it

[@jthomasp8591]

Absolute legend

[@laurentdorget7790]

Just try. Do it and you will see the result !

[@Galantasy]

Is it just me or is 1:39 a really awkward moment? Fantastic talk otherwise, Godspeed!

[@eleanorwilliams9245]

Bold ambitions and ecologically sound principles; what's not to like? :) Very inspiring! Thank you!

[@evgeniykast510]

Ждем перевод!

[@igorbukovy4313]

7 years later and we still did not replace the consumption system!

[@aadamstory]

some people doing it some people don't. most Media doesn't show us what good people actually do.

[@igorbukovy4313]

@@aadamstory Yes but people which are practicing it are minority.

[@abiboocock846]

I'm so excited for all of this! I really want to contribute to the movement.

[@Crawkid]

carbon dioxide chart is a bit off...it'd actually be more accurate if it was describing nitrogen. still, trees are important for carbon dioxide issues

[@PsychicIsaacs]

Geoff, I don't think you have any idea how beneficial your work in the Middle East has been, especially this talk and others like it! But then again, maybe you do...

[@whaledog9236]

does anyone else see the irony of him presenting to the saudis

[@TheGravityTiger]

Evan Williams this is in the uae not saudi arabia its ajman

[@whaledog9236]

My bad united Arab Emirates not Saudi Arabia... but seeing how the largest export is till crude oil ...I.. think the irony is still apparent

[@michellethompson7309]

So, they are most/highly in need of exposure to these concepts. I get what you are trying to say but disagree that this is ironic.

[@kristiank1276]

Certainly not preaching to the choir :P

[@songweaver6076]

I was thinking it was one of the most important talks he's ever done as they have control in that region. Better to serve than to enslave and permaculture sets us all free.

[@informationwarfare]

yea permaculture and aquaponics are the way forward

[@7777Rodney]

His basic ideas revolve around plants (botany) and water (hydrology). He is right about carbon, why not sequester it our worlds soils?

[@mellamoesroy]

Got me hook line and sinker! Check out my permaculture project in the desert in Spain to see if I can get results. I clearly have a lot to learn when you see my videos. Thanks Roy

[@GuruLy2]

I love him, im saving my money for buying a piece of land

[@remoralize]

The main issue it seems is him not defining his terms: principles, ethics, elements, etc... As someone who's taken his PDC, this is a perfectly fine presentation. For someone who hasn't, and is generally unfamiliar with permaculture, I can understand why this would be insufficient...

[@navylaks2]

To all you mullahs this is your Mahdi he's proven that he can turn the desert green;)

[@wes4192]

That sites a bit exaggerated...one acre..under irrigation

[@Knossos22]

Life is full of awkward moments. The planet is dying. Let us place our focus on defining the problems and the solutions. Lets focus on what is possible not prejudice and cultural differences... “Rather than protesting the problems, permaculture defines the solutions and directs positive action.”

[@niceslug]

AGREE 100 %, but not sure the message was well recieved there, the UAE is a major beneficary of oil consumption and highly conservative

[@TheDarthloki]

well but since co2 supports greenhouse effect temperature will rise with it. and if you chance a nonbiotic factor like climate in an ecosystem flora and fauna are gonna change/adapt some might get extinct in their natural habitat and i think the best is to keep the negative influences as low as possible

[@lifesbetterinwellies6342]

Great at what he does, but doing presentations is clearly not his thing. I watched it and after it thought, what did he just say, I have no idea.

[@AlternativasAmb]

I had another feeling, totally different, indeed. maybe he was not good to present permaculture for first time viewers, but it made totally sense to me, indeed, it was a good, how can I say, revival of everything I studied.

[@being.777]

I understood everything and I'm new to permaculture. Thought he did great. I was very inspired by his optimistic presentation and it reinforced some of my own hopes regarding the future direction of this movement.

[@chicofoxo]

He'd never get away with this in the world of science. Here are my conclusions, this is honestly the greatest discovery and will change the World forever. You guys need this. I'm not going to show you how I did it or what actually happened - but guys.. trust me - It's awesome.

[@JohnLee-tm9zo]

chicofoxo There are several videos out there for free or purchase on the systems Geoff has developed. Permaculture, I've found, is more for those willing to do the groundwork and research themselves after gaining a foothold on the basic skills and knowledge set. If you expected this TEDx talk to encompass the whole permaculture picture, you've got a long way to go to "understanding" and likely will struggle unless you change your attitude to a more proactive one, i.e. not expecting it all handed to you in one chewable bite. Do some research my friend and you will find the world of science is from whence permaculture came, and any other assumption would be one made of ignorance to the principles on which we permaculturalists think and act. Try starting with www.geofflawton.com if you think Geoff is somehow holding back information.

[@chicofoxo]

John Lee First of all, I am not your friend. Second, my issues are not with permaculture but with Geoff Lawton's talk. He has been given a wonderful and privileged opportunity to deliver the concept of permaculture to a wider audience. He then goes and squanders this by giving a wishy-washy talk with abstract terms. No one is expecting him to cover permaculture in every detail, but he has to captivate people to go and perform further research on a topic. To do this, he has to demonstrate, convince and more importantly inspire the public. Also, you telling people who are watching Ted talks that they aren't being proactive on a subject matter is a joke. People have to start somewhere and Ted talks are meant to be the gateway that results in further research, but the talk itself has to be creative and inspiring - that's the whole point of them. Your defence of Lawton only proves one thing, he's only good at preaching to the converted.

[@JohnLee-tm9zo]

chicofoxo Your lack of pleasantry would certainly make you a difficult friend, but that would be on you, not me. I have no qualm with you. True he could have presented more information, but to what degree? That it did not satisfy to the degree you desired only means this one presentation was lacking in information. One of his flagship projects is just across Saudi Arabia from where this talk was given and there is plenty of free video and information on it. Noone can please everyone all the time and certainly every time he speaks cannot be gold, but it's silly to say Geoff Lawton does not provide clear information to be found elsewhere, solely due to this one lackluster presentation. The guy is a workhorse and he doesn't teach courses and provide inspirational videos out the wazoo all year long (www.geofflawton.com if you still have not visited) for himself - it's for all of us. Give him some credit. By converted, do you mean I did my own research and filled in the blanks with my PDC? Because that is what happened.

[@UmattrInfo]

Read the Book "Living Energies" by Callum Coats | Umattr.info/living-energies/

[@Simeonx1]

Why does it keep cutting back to the audience . I dont want to see a chick text for 5 seconds . Worst editing

[@PossumPityParty]

Yeah, not everyone seems knowledgable or very interested in what he's saying. Too bad they have no idea who he is or what he's trying to convey.

[@ParisVega]

Golighty678 he could use some better, more concise talking points to keep the audience engaged. Sad that such a valuable topic gets less impact because of a subpar presentation. Respect to Geoff and what he does, though.

[@retoblubber]

0:25 website www.permacultureglobal.com/ is offline (as of Dec, 2014)

[@Tom.Livanos]

Reto Fassbind Just checked (12 May 2015) and it is online.

[@retoblubber]

Tom Livanos confirmed, thanks!

[@ThereseJimanowicz]

We all need to take control of growing our own food. I don't think that any of us will be stupid enough to try to lace what we're eating with petroleum byproducts that they don't want to have to pay to recycle.

[@Dyshof]

The topic itself is highly interesting and actual. And what he says is right, but it is too much blabla stuff everybody could say who has a faint idea of the issue. Why not presenting some real cases in a capturing pragmatic way.....?

[@paulskillman6634]

Take any planet & put 70% water on it & you can have a planet Earth. Our planet is rare in deed! The goldielocks planet!

[@naomidenisepinedaspirit-bo7955]

Geoff! Love tou

[@guloguloguy]

FYI..... also, search for Dr. John D. Liu!!!!

[@dezerterone]

The bloody camera stays longer on the audience than the speaker, so annoying.

[@bealtainecottage]

Geoff Lawton, Bill Mollison is a co-founder of Permaculture. Your starter for ten: who is the other?

[@euphioquestion420]

first thing about sales is you gotta know they're willing to buy...

[@alan30189]

As the guy above mentioned, I think he is going very slow because of his audience is mostly foreigners that might not speak English fluently.

[@quito787]

Listening to this guy is hard

[@nustada]

I like the idea of permaculture. But those who think carbon dioxide is a problem for ecosystems are silly. All plants only reach their genetic growth potential when CO2 reaches about 1000 ppm. Which last quote I heard is we are about 400 PPM. All plants benefit from not going below frost point.

[@neilsant1194]

What if the rich ajman local tandem with meraas to create a fab green mall where food will be harvest by shopper & will be cook real time.

[@aarongallant4280]

This is much less inspiring than most of his other talks and documentaries.

[@EcoTechnify]

He had to use a script for this talk. TED events require a script. His other talks and videos are all done without a script.

[@aarongallant4280]

oh it seemed like he used scripts for other stuff too. Maybe he doesn't and is just naturally good at public speaking and of course well versed in his field. He's an incredible guy, and I wish I could take a course with him, but unfortunately the plane ticket plus the tuition is just too much.

[@JosiahGarber]

Aaron Gallant He offers an online Permaculture Design Course at GeoffLawton.com It's worth it.

[@mrsexyface]

I...... would like to say....... that........ I like..... your message......... but............. would you........ please............ SPIT IT OUT!!!!!

[@Lemonz1989]

He uses a lot of buzz words, true - but permaculture principles are sound, if they are done correctly. Especially in places where traditional farming methods don't work. :)

[@hastingr]

sometimes you shouldn't just wing it.

[@caromio3297]

I am very impressed by the vision and philosophy of Permaculture. I think it is unfortunate that the movement is often intertwined with the presupposition that CO2 is the primary driver of Global Climate Change. I would say that that Permaculture movement is wise to continue embracing a more positive vantage point along the lines that as we improve in our understanding of Natures Laws, we will continue to be better informed on how provide abundance to the planet on all levels. Great job Geoff!

[@justgivemethetruth]

8:18 - LOL, hahahaha .... what progress looks like today ?

[@chadillacjack07]

If he were to go into specific design elements people wouldn't get it. Take a Permaculture Design Course if you want specifics. If you think that permaculture isn't legit then please check out what this man has done at Zaytuna farm. Check out what Sepp Holzer has done. There are incredible permaculture systems out there that prove these methods work all over the planet. This video is simply saying what can be done through permaculture.

[@louisegogel7973]

agreed!!

[@gutzbramah]

What is very good, though, is that the middle east clan is listening. Hopefully the message got through.

[@robertjordan4672]

I agree with Steve below. I love Lawton's videos, but here he's committing so many classic public speaking errors: not dressed properly, not prepared/scripted, not addressing the needs of his audience (for which he's uniquely qualified), talking non-stop jargon ... and on and on. When will he stop using the word "systems"? rj

[@mortonvrose]

Everyone sees and hears at his own level

[@clavo3352]

Someone should advise those sheiks to buy all the cow manure and dairy farm effluent and wood chips they can get their hands on here in the US. It would help out our farmers and cultivate good will. Then take those resources and make big farms and forests in Middle East. Make nice with the Iranians to produce desal plants using NEW super safe nuclear power plants.

[@jenananda1]

Omg this is painful. Good info. His strength is in his knowledge not speaking. Poor guy.

[@dorothymcleod1]

The ideas are good but the speaker needs help

you don't watch enough ted.

[@Lemonz1989]

Yes, I was missing that as well. I'm getting a sort of hippie vibe of him, only playing on people's emotions. Permaculture would win many over (especially small community farmers) if there was some hard convincing science behind his presentation.

[@louisegogel7973]

And hat do you say now?