The Power of Interdisciplinary Action in Advocacy | Kate Olsen | TEDxBountiful

Key Concepts

• Interdisciplinary learning: Combining diverse fields of study to create unique opportunities and solutions.
• Science communication: Bridging the gap between scientific data and public understanding.
• Environmental advocacy: Using various tools, including art and science, to promote environmental protection.
• The Great Salt Lake: A unique ecosystem in Utah facing ecological collapse due to water diversions and climate change.
• Visual storytelling: Translating complex data into compelling visual narratives to inspire action.

Early Fascination with Science and Art

The speaker recounts a childhood fascination with animals and nature, leading to a desire to become a scientist. Early attempts at scientific illustration, despite imperfections, fueled a passion for depicting the natural world through art. This early interest was nurtured by supportive parents, leading to personal projects like an illustrated guide to the wild.

Navigating Dual Interests in College

In high school, a passion for biology and ecology emerged, solidifying the desire to protect the natural world. However, the speaker also maintained a strong connection to artistic creation, leading to a conflict in college. The pressure to specialize in one area created uncertainty about how to combine science and art.

The Power of Interdisciplinary Learning

The speaker realized that limiting oneself to a single discipline is flawed, as complex problems require multifaceted solutions. Interdisciplinary learning allows for new ways to communicate, solve problems, and inspire others. Combining art and science became a powerful tool for advocacy.

Blending Art and Science in Practice

An ecology class led to opportunities to use design skills, starting with logos and websites. This culminated in a position as an illustrator for the life science college at BYU. This role allowed for experimentation with blending art and science, moving from posters to scientific diagrams and social media content.

Creature Kate: An Example of Interdisciplinary Communication

The speaker created "Creature Kate," an online persona with illustrated collectible pins of animals and plants. These engaging videos made scientific communication more understandable and visually compelling.

Grow the Flow: Advocating for the Great Salt Lake

The speaker became involved with "Grow the Flow," a citizen-led movement to save the Great Salt Lake. The lake has shrunk by nearly half due to water diversions and climate change, pushing it towards ecological collapse. The speaker's background in environmental science and illustration skills allowed them to contribute to the organization's efforts to raise public awareness.

The Great Salt Lake: A Vital Ecosystem in Crisis

The Great Salt Lake is a unique ecosystem and a vital resource for wildlife and people. It serves as a crucial stopover point for millions of migratory birds and is home to brine shrimp, which support a multi-million dollar harvesting industry. The lake also regulates Utah's climate and supports various industries. However, water diversions and climate change have led to historic low water levels, threatening the lake's ecological and economic value.

Visualizing the Crisis

The speaker emphasizes the importance of visual storytelling in communicating the urgency of the Great Salt Lake's decline. Art can translate complex data into something that resonates on a human level, inspiring action. An image comparing historic and current water levels effectively conveys the severity of the crisis.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Impact

The speaker highlights collaborations with poets, politicians, scientists, writers, and costume designers, showcasing the diverse perspectives needed to address complex issues. Examples of illustrated works include native plant importance, sperm whale vs. giant squid, Jacque Cousteau's journey, impacts of dams on salmon, orca captivity, and watershed ecology research.

The Importance of Diverse Perspectives

Interdisciplinary thinking is essential for tackling complex problems like climate change and biodiversity loss. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we can uncover solutions that might never emerge within a single field. Everyone has a role to play, whether as a scientist, artist, teacher, policymaker, or everyday citizen.

Conclusion

The speaker encourages listeners to pursue interdisciplinary learning, follow their passions, and contribute to the causes they care about. The strength of advocacy lies in the ability to come together, bringing all talents and perspectives to the table. Embracing differences is key to inspiring change.