In “Why Biodiversity Should Matter to Everyone,” Alen Amirkhanian delivers a compelling TEDx talk that underscores the critical importance of biodiversity for the planet and humanity. He explains that every species plays a unique role in maintaining ecological balance, influencing everything from climate regulation to food production. Amirkhanian emphasizes that the deterioration of biodiversity poses significant risks not only to ecosystems but also to human health and well-being. He argues that our survival is intricately linked to the natural world, urging individuals to recognize their connection to the environment. By fostering awareness and advocating for conservation efforts, we can collectively contribute to a healthier planet. Ultimately, Amirkhanian calls for a shared responsibility in protecting biodiversity, highlighting that it is not just an environmental issue, but a moral imperative that resonates with everyone, regardless of background or profession.
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Author Video Description
On the TEDxYerevan stage, Alen Amirkhanyan explores how to make biodiversity meaningful to students from all fields : business, politics, computer science, and beyond. In this talk, he takes us from the origins of life on Earth to the current biodiversity crisis, blending science with values and ethics. Alen invites us to reflect not only on what we know about the natural world, but how we feel about it, and why that matters. He challenges us to move from passive observers to active stewards of the life we are a part of. Alen Amirkhanyan is the Director of the American University of Armenia’s (AUA) Acopian Center for the Environment, since 2013. He holds a Master’s in city planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning. In 2023, he became the inaugural Chair of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences (ESS) at the AUA Akian College of Science and Engineering. Before AUA, he was Senior Vice President of Research at Michael Porter’s Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. He has consulted with the World Bank, UNDP, and the Brookings Institution on energy efficiency as well as economic and urban growth issues. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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Video “Why biodiversity should matter to everyone | Alen Amirkhanian | TEDxYerevanSalon” was uploaded on 08/08/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks