TED: For more wonder, rewild the world | George Monbiot

The speaker shares personal experiences of ecological boredom and introduces the concept of rewilding, focusing on ecosystem restoration and human life. Trophic cascades, exemplified by Yellowstone's wolves, and the role of whales in marine ecosystems are discussed. The potential for rewilding in Europe, including the return of megafauna, is explored. The talk concludes with rewilding as a source of hope for ecological change.

What feeling did the speaker experience after returning from his adventures?

• Ecological boredom

• Excitement

• Fear

• Contentment

What is a trophic cascade?

• A process where plants grow rapidly

• A method of controlling animal populations

• A type of waterfall

• An ecological process starting at the top of the food chain

How did the reintroduction of wolves affect the deer in Yellowstone?

• Deer population increased

• Deer behavior changed, avoiding certain areas

• Deer became more aggressive

• Deer started migrating out of the park

What unexpected effect did removing whales have on krill populations?

• Krill populations migrated

• Krill populations remained stable

• Krill populations collapsed

• Krill populations increased

What role do whales play in the ocean ecosystem?

• They help sustain the ecosystem through nutrient cycling

• They reduce fish populations

• They prevent ocean currents

• They increase ocean temperatures

What does rewilding mean according to the speaker?

• Reintroducing missing plants and animals

• Developing new agricultural lands

• Creating new urban areas

• Building more zoos

What is the speaker's view on the composition of ecosystems in rewilding?

• It should focus on agricultural development

• It should be carefully controlled

• It should be left to nature to decide

• It should mimic historical ecosystems

What potential does rewilding human life offer?

• Greater economic growth

• A richer life with more adventure

• More technological advancements

• Increased urbanization

What is one of the main benefits of rewilding according to the speaker?

• More control over nature

• Hope and ecological restoration

• Increased industrialization

• Higher population density

What does the speaker suggest about the return of megafauna?

• It is unnecessary

• It would be too dangerous

• It could enrich ecosystems and human life

• It is impossible