Ten years on: The Impact of Allan Savory's 2013 Regenerative Grazing TED Talk

Ten years on: The Impact of Allan Savory's 2013 Regenerative Grazing TED Talk

3 April 2023

Allan Savory's transformative TED Talk, "How to Fight Desertification and Reverse Climate Change," has garnered close to 9 million views since its debut in February 2013. This monumental speech has inspired countless individuals, organisations, and governments worldwide to reconsider their approach to land management and sustainable agriculture.

Born in 1935 in Zimbabwe, Allan Savory is an ecologist, farmer, and environmentalist with an unwavering commitment to preserving and restoring natural ecosystems. He began his career as a research biologist and game ranger, which allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the complex relationships between fauna, flora, and their habitats. Over time, Savory's focus shifted towards finding a solution to the critical issue of desertification, a process that threatens food security, biodiversity, and climate stability on a global scale.

Savory's TED Talk addresses the need to combat desertification and reverse climate change. He argues that the world's grasslands, which comprise about two-thirds of the Earth's landmass, are turning into deserts due to mismanagement. The degradation of these grasslands releases vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, contributing significantly to global warming.

To counter this, Savory advocates for a practice known as holistic planned grazing or regenerative grazing. This method involves mimicking the natural migratory patterns of herbivores, concentrating livestock in a specific area for a short period before moving them to another location. As a result, the grasslands are allowed to recover, promoting the growth of diverse plant species and the sequestration of atmospheric carbon. This process revitalises the soil, enhances water retention, and combats desertification.

Regenerative grazing has the potential to bring about significant positive changes in land management, agriculture, and climate change mitigation. By mimicking nature's processes, we can restore the health of our grasslands and create a more sustainable food production system. Moreover, regenerative grazing can help reduce the need for chemical fertilisers, which pollute water sources and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Since Allan Savory's TED Talk, regenerative grazing has gained traction worldwide. Many farmers, ranchers, and land managers have adopted this approach to restore their grasslands and improve the overall health of their ecosystems. The Savory Institute, founded by Allan Savory, has also significantly promoted regenerative grazing by providing education, training, and resources to interested parties.

Allan Savory's TED Talk has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in transforming how we think about land management and agriculture. By promoting regenerative grazing as a viable solution to desertification and climate change, Savory has inspired millions to act and embrace a more sustainable approach to managing our planet's resources. As more people adopt these principles and practices, we move closer to creating a healthier, more resilient world for future generations.

Learn more about the Savory Institute and Holistic Land Management.

TLG Management Partners