TED Session 7: TED Prize

The theme is DREAM.

1. Jill Tarter, astronomer

Perspective is a very powerful thing. From my perspective we live in a fragile island in a universe of possibilities. If we’re alone, it’s an awful waste of space. Humans have only been the most intelligent life on our planet for a very short time.

“I wish that you would empower Earthlings everywhere to become active participants in the ultimate search for cosmic company.” Wants people to look at data in real time to detect irregularities, etc. Wants to find new algorithms to figure out the data.

2. Silvia Earle, oceanographer

We’ve eaten 90% of the big fish in the sea, we’ve destroyed half the coral, lack of oxygen in the Pacific should concern you. Now is the time to save, explore, protect the wild ocean. The next 10 years may be the most important in the next thousand years.

“I wish you would mean all means at your disposal — films! expedition! the web! more! — to ignite public support for a global network of marine protected areas, hope spots large enough to save and restore the ocean, the blue heart of the planet.”

3. Jose Antonio Abreu, maestro

Tells story of advancing children through music in Venezuela (previously taped video with subtitles).

“I wish for your help to create and document a special training program for at least 50 gifted young musicians, passionate for their art and for social justice, and dedicated to bringing El Sistema in the United States and in other countries.”