Name: The case for optimism
Uploaded: 2007-11-21T02:32:00Z
Duration: 20 min 39 s
Description: We've known about global warming for 50 years and done little about it, says Google.org director Larry Brilliant. In spite of this and other depressing trends, he's optimistic and tells us why. From Skoll World Forum, Oxford, UK, www.skollfoundation.org

We've known about global warming for 50 years and done little about it, says Google.org director Larry Brilliant. In spite of this and other depressing trends, he's optimistic and tells us why. From Skoll World Forum, Oxford, UK, www.skollfoundation.org

The case for optimism

Despite 50 years of warnings about global warming and growing inequality, humanity faces daunting challenges. Rising seas could displace 100 million people from Bangladesh alone, while new diseases jump from animals to humans at an increasing rate. Yet history shows that collective action can conquer even the worst threats, like eradicating smallpox after half a billion deaths. New movements, activism, and unexpected alliances are beginning to turn the tide toward solutions.

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