Science & Technology

How to Measure the Planet’s Heartbeat | Yadvinder Malhi | TED

Ecosystem scientist Yadvinder Malhi takes us on a jaw-dropping journey through the hidden flows of energy that make life on Earth tick. From sun-soaked forests to tropical islands, he shows how his team measures the vibrancy of ecosystems across the world. This complex web of energy isn’t just nature’s masterpiece, he says — it’s a…

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Ecosystem scientist Yadvinder Malhi takes us on a jaw-dropping journey through the hidden flows of energy that make life on Earth tick. From sun-soaked forests to tropical islands, he shows how his team measures the vibrancy of ecosystems across the world. This complex web of energy isn’t just nature’s masterpiece, he says — it’s a lifeline for all of us that call this planet home. (Recorded at TED Countdown Summit 2025 on June 18, 2025)

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16 Comments

  1. @AdvantestInc

    November 25, 2025 at 11:05 am

    The blend of AI sensing and traditional field counting feels like the right direction: high-tech measurement, grounded in real-world ecology. More talks connecting those dots, please.

  2. @worldlaughs-bp

    November 25, 2025 at 11:05 am

    This is very inspiring ❤

  3. @ExistentialWolf

    November 25, 2025 at 11:27 am

    Wow. Nice story but the stars do the work for the planet not the animals … we have left our mark, however;)

  4. @hannahtelluselle

    November 25, 2025 at 12:01 pm

    Maybe this vibrancy and energy is what on a spiritual level is perceived as the Great Spirit or the soul of a place?

    • @clarissastewart4872

      November 26, 2025 at 12:40 am

      You are definitely onto something!

    • @oraculum_

      November 26, 2025 at 10:05 am

      Or maybe return to earth, literally

  5. @Zor963

    November 25, 2025 at 1:19 pm

    Thanks

  6. @sandyduggan8572

    November 25, 2025 at 4:39 pm

    Are people working to restore / re-wild the islands that have been taken over by invasive species? Is there an active process making that happen?

  7. @saranbhatia8809

    November 25, 2025 at 6:12 pm

    Well presented!

  8. @polodon3575

    November 25, 2025 at 6:23 pm

    Thanks

  9. @clarissastewart4872

    November 26, 2025 at 12:39 am

    I did a lot of what we called bush regeneration in Australia for several years… It’s very satisfying work, and you can really see the results over a period of time as the native species may adapt and take over again. All the principles of doing this work have stayed with me for the rest of my life so far….. And continually grow in my understanding of the complexities of nature !
    Thank you so much for this brilliantly presented explanation of biodiversity, with clear scientific understanding , with great examples through the photos.

  10. @urbanstrencan

    November 26, 2025 at 1:11 am

    Interesting talk, the nature and the life of ecosystems around the world is so interesting

  11. @mohammedayyadi2574

    November 26, 2025 at 9:47 am

    How to measure my heartbeat ❤😅😊

  12. @techcoachmahi

    November 26, 2025 at 10:50 am

    Such a powerful explanation of how nature’s energy web keeps our planet alive. Truly eye-opening!

  13. @lifemotivation6789

    November 26, 2025 at 10:56 am

    A forest isn’t just resources — it’s an ancient, living network of life, communication, and quiet miracles we’re only beginning to understand

  14. @PlasticBank

    November 27, 2025 at 2:36 pm

    So eye opening to see the world this way! Makes you appreciate it even more 🙌🌏

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