This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Empowered by little known and previously never used arcane bounty laws, a group of working class generational fisherman on the Hudson uncovered a way to prosecute polluters. Decades later their heroic efforts ripple now across the waters of the globe. This engaging and charming and visionary speaker, long associated with River Keeper, charts the course forward for preserving our environment and ensuring a healthy future.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s reputation as a resolute defender of the environment stems from a litany of successful legal actions. Kennedy was named one of Time magazine’s “Heroes for the Planet” for helping Riverkeeper lead the fight to restore the Hudson River. The group’s achievement helped spawn over 185 Waterkeeper organizations across the globe. Kennedy serves as Vice Chair and Chief Prosecuting Attorney for Riverkeeper and Chairman of Waterkeeper Alliance. He has worked on environmental issues across the Americas and assisted several indigenous tribes in Latin America and Canada successfully negotiate treaties protecting traditional homelands. He is credited with leading the fight to establish the NYC watershed agreement, which is regarded as an international model for sustainable development. Among Kennedy’s published works are The New York Times’ bestseller Crimes Against Nature (2004), The Riverkeepers (1997), two children’s books, and numerous articles in The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, Atlantic Monthly, Esquire, and many other publications.


About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)