How to solve the global water crisis | Marla Smith-Nilson | TEDxPortland

Water is life. And Marla is a water crusader. She has set out to change the world with accountable solutions and advocacy. In this Talk she outlines how governments and global stakeholders can realign and mitigate risk and waste. To ultimately try and solve for the 5 billion in funds that is squandered in impoverished communities around the world annually.

With special thanks to the UNIVERSITY OF OREGON for presenting partnership, a world class stage design provided by HENRY V, an incredible legacy bound book provided by PREMIER and to the creative digital craft provided by ENJOY THE WEATHER. All of our Partners and event history can be found TEDxPortland.com

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)


In the one-stoplight town of Benson, in the Sonoran desert of southern Arizona, Marla learned the important role water plays in providing life and prosperity. After obtaining degrees in both civil and environmental engineering, she founded the nonprofit, Water1st International, to provide water and toilets to 168,000 people in the 1,900 impoverished communities around the World.

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