From the top of the food chain down: Rewilding our world - George Monbiot
788,184 Views
47,567 Questions Answered
Let’s Begin…
Our planet was
once populated by megafauna, big top-of-the-food-chain predators that
played their part in balancing our ecosystems. When those megafauna
disappear, the result is a "trophic cascade," where every part of the
ecosystem reacts to the loss. How can we stay in balance? George Monbiot
suggests rewilding: putting wolves, lions and other predators back on
top -- with surprising results.
Additional Resources for you to Explore
If you'd like to know more about rewilding, specifically in North America, check out Rewilding North America, by Dave Foreman or visit Dave's website here.
Callum Roberts is a marine conservation biologist, oceanographer, author, research scholar at the University of York, England. His work examines the impact of human activity on marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs. To learn more about his research, check out his book, The Unnatural History of the Sea.
Be sure to check out George Monbiot's website: www.monbiot.com
Wolves were once native to the US' Yellowstone National Park — until hunting wiped them out. But when, in 1995, the wolves began to come back (thanks to an aggressive management program), something interesting happened: the rest of the park began to find a new, more healthful balance. In a bold thought experiment, George Monbiot imagines a wilder world in which humans work to restore the complex, lost natural food chains that once surrounded us.
About TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator George Monbiot
- Director Avi Ofer
- Narrator George Monbiot
