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In this talk, I unravel our clothing. Along the way. we follow numerous threads across the planet to reveal their hidden origins, far-reaching impacts as well as the immense potential of the textile industry to promote biodiversity, restore human dignity, give voice to the voiceless and forge a brighter future for life on the planet.

Anthropology, Biodiversity, Fashion, Global issues, Innovation, Sustainability, Women Dr. Tierney Thys is CoFounder of Around the World in 80 Fabrics--an educational nonprofit and traveling museum dedicated to celebrating the power of textiles to promote biodiversity and human wellbeing. Thys is a National Geographic Explorer, biologist, author, filmmaker and Research Associate at the California Academy of Sciences. As a scientist, veteran storyteller and Nat Geo Expedition expert for more than 20 years, she is committed to catalyzing biodiversity conservation through art and science. She serves on the science advisory boards for Think Beyond Plastic, the Plastic Pollution Coalition and was a member of the TED Braintrust. Fascinated with fabrics since a young age, she roams the globe continually impressed with the wealth of ingenious makers and textile communities creating renewable, ethical alternatives to fossil-fuel-based fast fashion. 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