TEDxWarwick 2018 “Dare to Defy” Highlights

In the first edition of our TEDxWarwick highlights series, we choose our favourite talks from 2018’s “Dare to Defy” event.
Gurpreet’s Choices
Net Neutrality’s survival is democracy’s challenge | Mike Morel
Net neutrality, you’ve probably heard the term before but aren’t quite sure what it means, right? In an incredibly relevant and jargon-busting talk, Mike Morel spoke on the importance of net neutrality — a topic which hit headlines earlier this year after the US Federal Communication Commission voted against net neutrality in December 2017. Contrary to recent divisive political events, the Open Rights Group campaigner discussed the dangerous consequences of threatening net neutrality, which has allowed a fair treatment of content thus far, enhancing our freedom of speech and the freedom of markets.
Inside the mind of a climate change scientist | Corinne Le Quéré
In this hilarious and light-hearted talk, Professor Corinne Le Quére tackles the very serious, and sometimes controversial, issue of climate change. But she isn’t trying to convince you that climate change is a problem; she simply wants to tell you the facts. And she does so brilliantly. For a comical and enlightening break, watch Corrine Le Quére’s talk on being a climate change scientist here.
Pablo’s Choices
Leave Fake News Alone | Jamie Whyte
Although I do not agree with a couple of Whyte’s points, namely his unfounded (in that he brings up no examples) haranguing of what he calls “student types” as attempting to aggressively peddle their own narratives through the exclusion of all others, he nevertheless brings up necessary topics in a concise way. His reflections on the need for critical thinking on a base level throughout society are the key part of the talk. While not by any means an original concept, it is an alternative not often heard when it comes to combatting the spread of false information. The thing I like best about this talk is that it is a good way for the listener to practice that which Whyte preaches: one can- and should- think critically about what he says, as he is in fact one of those politicians he derides. That he should recommend that which might ultimately contradict him is, I believe, a point of moral courage.
Empowerment through confidence | Harnaam Kaur
Harnaam Kaur’s fantastic talk about struggles with identity and depression is one that will really stick with you. Some TED talks are about complex ideas or inventions that seek to be paradigm-shifts. Kaur achieves that, but just by being herself; if one is looking for an understanding of true, lasting change, then this is where it can be found. There is little else for me to say, as Kaur conveys her point far better than I ever could.
Keep an eye on this page as our highlights for TEDxWarwick 2017 “Breaking Boundaries” will be up before too long!

