Summary
New York State recently released COVID Alert NY, a mobile contact tracing app that will alert the user if they come into close contact with someone else who later tests positive for the virus. Hear the designers of the app talk about their experience collaborating remotely across three time zones on this high stakes project. What processes and tools were helpful when designing an app that needed to explain a complex concept to the state's 19.4 million residents in a way that would be universally understood, accessible, and available in 13 languages? View the session recording
Key Insights
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Climate change is not a distant threat; it is altering ecosystems right now.
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Over one million species are at risk of extinction within the next few decades due to climate impacts.
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Effective conservation requires not just policy change but also public engagement and education.
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Habitat restoration can significantly help reverse biodiversity loss if implemented effectively.
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Small, localized efforts can lead to significant global impacts if scaled up.
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Collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and community members is essential for successful conservation strategies.
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Investing in green technologies can create new economic opportunities while protecting biodiversity.
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Indigenous knowledge plays a crucial role in sustainable land management and conservation efforts.
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Adaptation strategies must be tailored to specific local conditions and needs.
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There is a growing recognition that healthy ecosystems provide fundamental services essential to human well-being.
Notable Quotes
"We are witnessing the most rapid loss of biodiversity in human history."
"The consequences of inaction are not hypothetical; they are happening right now."
"Each species lost is a thread untethered from the web of life that supports us all."
"Restoration is not just about replanting trees; it’s about rebuilding entire ecosystems."
"When communities are engaged, conservation succeeds dramatically."
"The time for debate has passed; we need to act decisively and collaboratively."
"Policies must evolve to reflect the urgency of our situation."
"Knowledge is power; empowering communities leads to better conservation outcomes."
"Innovation in conservation practices is desperately needed to keep pace with environmental changes."
"The health of our planet directly influences our health and survival."
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