Planting the Rain to Grow Abundance | Brad Lancaster | TEDxTucson

Do you have any idea of what amazing things would be possible if you could see, and partner with, the unseen natural abundance around you?
Problems transform into solutions, and previously unimagined wonders of life emerge.
Brad shares the inspiring story of how he and others learned to see the rain differently, enabling them-and you-to plant it, rather than drain it; resulting in the growth of vibrant irrigation-free oases throughout communities in drought years, which act as absorbent sponges solving flooding in wet years, and the regeneration of our neighborhoods and larger world in all years.
Brad is the author of the award-winning books Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, www.HarvestingRainwater.com, and co-founder of DesertHarvesters.org. Brad is also a regenerative systems educator, designer, and consultant. In the Sonoran Desert, with just 11 inches of annual rainfall, he and his brother harvest about 100,000 gallons of rainwater a year on an eighth-acre urban lot and adjoining right-of-way. This harvested water is then turned into living air conditioners of food-bearing shade trees, abundant gardens, and a thriving landscape incorporating wildlife habitat, beauty, medicinal plants, and more. The goal of his book series and overall work is to empower his clients and community to make positive change in their own lives and neighborhoods-by harvesting and enhancing free on-site resources such as water, sun, wind, shade, community, and more. It’s catching on, as evidenced by tens of thousands of practitioners and demand for Brad’s work around the world.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@DavidAbramson]

OMFG!! I'm out here on 40 acres by myself cheering and awing over this!! Getting ready for 14" of rain and it's time to see where the water is flowing :)

[@timkinrade9533]

Hope you found that Key Point. It is...key

[@TheTexasTakebyMissVikie]

Love it 💘🤗💘

[@nancystockton4265]

I just bought a house on 3 acres in Tucson, and I can't wait to start planting the rain! Thank your for this information!

[@ronniemcmaster8657]

Having you been planting the water?

[@pepper419]

Oh what a wonderful thinking person. Keep it up. You haven't stopped yet.

[@kickass1179]

17K views only??? This should be the most viewed video EVER. I watched this guy on another channel as well. His passion and "mission" are both pretty important for the survival of humankind, especially in dry lands. We need people like Brad and people like YOU, commenters and viewers, to come together and FIX this world once and for all!!!

[@thivaagaranrajendran7996]

Not everyone would watch this kind of info.

[@jonspengler5891]

Even better and more important, go to Amazon and buy this Mans book

[@chuck1607]

I'm on an acre in Phoenix and I believe I too can turn my home into a sponge. I just ordered vol 1 & 2 of your books. cheers!!

[@wsst1000]

It is good to see the great rainwater harvester and evangelist, Brad Lancaster on a TEDx stage. More than ever his message needs to be heard, heeded and acted upon.

[@anlemeinthegame1637]

The a-bun-dance we didn't know we needed!

[@matthewcain2880]

This info should be on the front headline news!

[@bysshewallace1850]

Fantastic and amazing thank you for these brilliant case studies and for carrying on the teachings of Mr Zephania Phiri Maseko. I also really appreciate his comment as he 'slapped you on the back' that you can't run away from your problems. So much to learn here. Thank youuuuu!

[@suneetsalvi1200]

Absolutely amazing and simple solutions which can be implemented all over the world to prevent drought and floods and eradicate water issues. We are technologically advance but drained of common sense. These are such simple and life changing systems that needs to implemented in every square metre of the world.

[@davebarmon5358]

Brad Lancaster has been one of my biggest inspirations to harvest the rain! His TEDx talk is so important. Better stewardship of the rain falling on our neighborhoods will transform our communities in countless ways.

[@solfeinberg437]

1.) save the Colorado (or other) rivers 2.) grow food on our doorsteps - saving our pocketbooks and health, needing to "work" less 3.) save all the energy costs of pumping diverting rivers - also saving the greenhouse emissions and slowing global warming 4.) save cooling costs by creating cooler shaded microclimate 5.) save our sanity - being part of the solution, living in a more natural environment

[@barrypuett6582]

This will be more important over the next few decades!

[@1956priscilla]

Thank you so much! How inspiring, especially in this infernal summer here in Italy, with droughts, extreme temperatures and water bombs in the North. I hope politicians will have the decency to listen and act consistently

[@nowisthehour]

Brad, you living legend! Inspiring us all to do a bun dance!

[@raestrikke]

there are always those cool people whom you wished you lived near! well done, Burt!

[@Wootchias]

Terrific talk. California could take a lesson... Thank you, Mr. Lancaster.

[@leedza]

Rip Zhaphanias Phiri, Zimbabwe's hidden national treasure, your work lives on.

[@JardinsMariza]

He was a bit inspiration for me, herein the Brazilian drylands...

[@cavemanillustrations]

Thanks Brad. I have built many rain barrels for myself and friends, and at my children's school, using the design in your book since reading it in Oracle, AZ about a decade ago.

[@kermitefrog64]

Incredible!!!! This is the way to solve a number of problems when we learn from the ways of our Creator. The earth will be a Paradise and the deserts will blossom.

[@velvetindigonight]

I would like to add the word 'again'. Look up 'natural processes' 'Loess Vally', the 'Knepp Estate' all here on You Tube. It's all doable, cheap but not a lot of profit in it for the multi nationals......... Enjoy

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

Indeed Genesis 8:22

[@christinamcnearney5563]

Meet the water harvesting king, very inspiring to us all.

[@amitjain3323]

This is really amazing and everyone should watch this in California too. California will become a Desert in next 20 years if we don't protect , plant and harvest our water. Brad is doing great work.

[@jaykobe5722]

This talk is really amazing. the great way of speech and content. I hope more people can watch this video

[@B30pt87]

Beautiful!

[@OBCBTTB]

"About shifting from a scarcity mindset to abundance" "Using what you already have"

[@wildopeneye1634]

Excellent! From drains to sponges!

[@melissasueferrin3409]

I've seen this like 20 times in the last five years and it never get old. So great.

[@yvonnehyatt8353]

Take it to all leaders

[@chelleehorton739]

YOU, Sir, are SO SOOOOOOOOO INSPIRING!!! What no one has ever accomplished before-in my 35 years here inTucson....YOU did in less than 15 minutes!!!!! I want to do what YOU have done!!! I want to live like YOU are living!!! I want to be part of this community's solutions rather than its problems!!!! You are so full of spark and shine. Your personality is bigger than LIFE!!! Thank you for this amazing lesson that has already begun shifting my thinking and I have already begun sharing it with my grown children and family members so we each, in our own homes and lives-can all add to our community's water reserve and conservation rather than being a consumER and takers that never give back!!! Well DONE!!! Of COURSE this idea was born out of inspiration from the Bible!!! 😁 I should have known!!! Beautiful and powerful! Again, thank you!

[@velvetindigonight]

I love your response. Good Luck. Would love to see the river flowing again one day soon...................?

[@illadelagos8770]

This dude is legend, every neighbourhood needs one of these people.

[@davidschmidt270]

I'm glad I got to see the guy who inspired him to do this....he liked the garden of Eden and wanted to recreate that in essence....as do I!

[@SD-co9xe]

I am digging keyline trenches with a pick on my property here in dry California. It would be great if this was part of a greater initiative. There is so much potential.

[@GwladYrHaf]

Brad is a wonderful human being.

[@JenniferHunter365]

This is incredible work you've done Brad. Bravo.

[@oiboy626]

Brad Lancaster is an amazing person!

[@MarkLL1961]

Thanks for this one, Brad!!

[@chipthomas4169]

Have been reading his book Rainwater Harvesting Vol. 2. Was very happy to see a TED video so I can put a voice and face to the lines in the book.

[@Lifteconomy]

Thank you for your leadership Brad!

[@patelneeraj]

Hugly enthusiastic !! One of the best talk !

[@marazulization]

What an amazing inspirational talking! Amazing ! Amazing! Thanks ! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@sparkywatts3072]

Thank you Brad. We need more people like you. I think we will see more of this going forward. We have to

[@rossjacobs8447]

Brilliant!

[@mikeycbaby]

Love Brad Lancaster. Have his books. Great ideas 💡

[@dinosaur0073]

Passing info. With funny, really works in minds....thank you for Great video..!!!

[@ric3860]

VERY INSPRING, AND VERY RIGHT WE MUST PUT WATER BACK INTO OUR GROUND WATER AND MORE TREES TO STOP GLOBLE WARMING, TREES ARE COOLING METHOD AND HELP ENVIRONMENT

[@jongreen2713]

Well, 5 years after this was posted, I finally find this video, while my town and neighboring towns are struggling with water. This really spoke to my core and I am already coming up with ideas for no just my home, but neighborhood, town and neighboring towns also struggling with water issues.

[@vivalaleta]

Did you film the change?

[@theduke9264]

God always gives us enough

[@divyashaarora5365]

AMAZIINNGGG

[@jetli8703]

Great story! We should do that out west.

[@charronfamilyconnect]

***Why aren't these methods being used in California that suffers with drought like conditions***

[@riverstun]

Because nobody is writing city hall demanding it and talking to their legislators.

[@cmc02888]

They want death

[@eej902]

@@cmc02888 Who is 'they' Christopher?

[@darchendon7926]

Because we need to tell them about this

[@shakiramer]

Ee J probably lefties. they want anti consumption and control. that way they can also convince people that humans are a problem. but i dont want to make it political. we have abundance on this planet - including abundant stupidity. we can also blame city planners who forced society to design systems to get rid of water and plants. we should never take foliage to the dump. we shouldn’t make water collection a crime.

[@FarmerBenny]

AMAZING!

[@goulvenbazire3714]

Merci Brad Lancaster, merci pour ton enthousiasme et ton histoire inspirante. Je souhaite que tes livres soient traduits en Français. Thanks a lot Brad Lancaster, thanks again for joy and inspiring story. I hope to translate yours books in french.

[@Cheryl1965]

So cool. Very inspiring presenter!

[@thebergbok8279]

When you look, don't just see. Observe... Brilliant talk inspiring me to change plans around my house

[@Supertomiman]

Great story, this should be a widespread practice across regions with seasonal rains.

[@JoeSokolic]

Inspirational stuff Mr Lancaster!

[@sacredcowbbq1326]

I'm totally hooked! Saw this man Brad Lancaster on a Kirsten Dirksen video. Now I can't stop listening to him. Gonna go buy his books! In a world of fraud and chicanery finding a genuine, passionate leader is finding a diamond amongst the coal. Kudos to Mr. Phiri. Rule #1- Observe nature.

[@miroirdusonge]

This and more you learn with Permaculture Design folks, for anyone who is interested! Plant and harvest the rain people 💚

[@alinajm5432]

love his energy

[@RickMarshallMaps]

Great video full of life-changing information

[@velvetindigonight]

Love this guys enthusiasm. BONKERS less than 50,000 views in two years and we have water and land crisis everywhere. Please comment, like and share to get You Tube's algorithm picking this up and recomending it ........ Our lives literally depend on us sorting these issues out over the next ten years or the planet has passed the point of no return. Maybe watch WWF Internationals film Our Planet Our Business for more background? Enjoy

[@eej902]

I give this a thumbs up just for the title. I've seen his work on KZbin

[@JaranehNova]

FANTASTIC!!

[@theresaromero2855]

So inspiring!

[@shopkedai]

The water are supposed to be underground, in the soil and as glaciers in high mountain and is now ending up in the sea. Raising sea level to overtake the land. This is our own folly in desiring more materialism which could not feed our physical need and fill our soul.

[@karlkaltenborn7233]

This is truly inspiiring! Anne Lise and Karl Kaltenborn, Norway

[@heidimac9101]

Fantastic!!!

[@shravangattu5783]

Awesome

[@xyzsame4081]

Also so the work of Geoff Lawton (not in an urban context, but for food forests).

[@aiamharsha]

How come this video has such fewer viewers, it deserves millions! Thanks Brad for such an inspiring talk.

[@velvetindigonight]

Comment like and share! So algorithms pick it up. Enjoy

[@GB-ty2uc]

truly inspirational man!

[@josephmwansa5403]

Wow

[@grheault]

wonderful...

[@plejaren1]

WELL DONE!!!

[@anthonysinclair5721]

I guess Mr. Maseko is Brads Rain father! RIP

[@releventhurt]

Passion will and a bun dance can change everyone

[@craggerrs]

Awesome video, amazing info

[@nbertulis]

Effervescent! Planting rain is the new normal! Can we get this translated into spanish?

[@HarvestingRainwater]

I'd love that, but I don't have the rights to this video. So that would have to be cleared with TED

[@downbntout]

Brad Lancaster So, eight months later on 12-6-17, has it been done? ''Tus amigos latinos necesitan tu mensaje"

[@solfeinberg437]

Well, it's poised to be the new normal. Is it, though? I think we have a long way to go implementing this. Amazing that it's required in new subdivisions. If all subdivisions had this initially or retrofitted - roads on contour feeding swales and walking trails planted with climate appropriate food bearing trees. We'd all have food that never required watering outside our doorsteps and a beautiful place to play / commute (via bicycle!). Check out Village Homes in Davis California.

[@crpth1]

Subtitles are available on CC. Trough the settings button several languages can be selected, Including Spanish, from the auto translate. I hope it helps the quest. Cheers

[@corykinservik5470]

Do the bun dance baby, Thanks for making this. 😀

[@JohnJewel]

Great

[@gerardodeandasalazar811]

bueno es primeramente necesario tener una muy buena comunicacion con vecinos y que deseen trabajar sin mas que por el bien comun .

[@pehrbenderix2352]

❤

[@chrstopherbroughton130]

This is an excellent video as the presentation is humorous and very practical with a very clear message for change. He is following the concept of keeping rainfall where it falls. There are other good videos though a bit more technical on the small water cycle by Walter Jehne, Zach Weiss and Dr MIchal Kravcik and a short animation "Climate Change: The Water Paradigm"

[@joseantoniolopes6615]

obrigado.

[@user-yp1tg4xb8c]

Worth looking into the work of Don José Carmen, a farmer in Mexico, who manages to make it rain, by planting specific trees in a polygonal form, among many other interesting things. There is a french book on this man called: L'homme qui parle avec les plantes". There is only one place online where you can buy it new and at a decent price and that is directly by the author of the book . If interested i can find the link and share it. With deepl, you can translate anything very easily, so this should be an interesting option for those who do not speak french.

[@chrisfernandes3353]

Now that's an Earth - rockstar there!😊 ( holding up my lighter)

[@velvetindigonight]

Agreed though he reminds me of the guy in 'A fish called Wanda' but Brad has brains.

[@Kintabl]

This is how you do things. The simplest thing is to just blame ''global warming'' for everything. It's not global warming to blame, but as he say, people take out more than nature can caught, And if nature can't caught it... you help her caught it.

[@KiwiCatherineJemma]

Thanks for this great video, but my message to the video mixer/editor... PLEASE give us longer views of the powerpoint slides as presented. You keep giving us only a micro-second to see a highly detailed photo, then go straight back to show us what Brad looks like standing up. We already KNOW what Brad looks like standing up, after the first minute of the talk, so you do NOT need to prioritise showing us Brad, to the deficit of seeing the details in the photos he is presenting as part of his talk. cheers

[@dreamreal756]

The basics of Permaculture! :-)

[@harisenbonharisenonb]

Are you Atsugiri Jason?

[@darkisland04]

Pretty enteraining TED talk, compared to the usual, more sedate ones!

[@AngelGarcia-xi8id]

Despite Brad's argument of taking water from one area to move across long distances that may cause scarcity in the area we take from, we have to think of areas that have extreme abundance. Tornado alley in the U.S. is one of those places. Please send me a message to speak on your thoughts. I want to speak about a potential solution to a problem in the southwest U.S.

[@rjnjewels7254]

Which plant we have to grow to harvest rain water......

[@crpth1]

RJN JEWELS - Any & all. Is the quick answer. Local/natives being a better option. In fact the principle is very simple. Uncovered soil is like an open wound. So cover it. Point being given the opportunity, which mostly mean water. Nature will do it one way or another! Human intervention is to "grab" the chance of benefiting from a crop of our choice. ;-)

[@njione]

I think I'm in love lol is he single

[@shannonmaris3011]

No kidding?? You were playing flood and figured out rainwater catchment as a kid ? That's awesome. Ditto on comments - you're our rain water ecosystem hero :)) We need this info SO much and have needed it for many years....

[@elijahknightskye3175]

THIS DUDES COOL!! XD LOL

[@damienr3086]

Because the landscape design of homes built is to have all rain water to end up in the sewers. All homes are built with front yards in a hill shape where rain water end up on the streets. We Californians need to run for political positions to make changes ourselves.

[@ibelieveintrees]

[@alancarlosms]

Walter White of the rain plantation.

[@valsptsd814]

Alan Carlos M. “Trees”enberg? 😂😂😁

[@holdinghearts2766]

Came to find out how to plant the rain only to be lectured at about how important it is to do it. Waste of 17 minutes if you already know how important it is. If you need to be convinced, I guess watch this.

[@jillnicholls6922]

Seems you dozed off when he put the diagrams up. Very Clear to me.

[@DrBe-zn5fv]

if he is serious that he 'doesn't need stinkin' ho's'' he might construct a grey water bath to wash them all down in --- they might not come up perfectly hygienic but at least they would no longer smell so.