1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:03,880 It's a bit of a somber day as we kind of dive into the legacy 2 00:00:03,880 --> 00:00:06,640 of former president Jimmy Carter who passed away today 3 00:00:06,640 --> 00:00:08,160 at the incredible age of 100. 4 00:00:08,160 --> 00:00:09,000 Yeah. 5 00:00:10,400 --> 00:00:11,880 You know, while we mourn his loss, 6 00:00:11,880 --> 00:00:14,280 there's so much to celebrate about his life, 7 00:00:14,280 --> 00:00:18,680 especially his contributions to environmental conservation, 8 00:00:18,680 --> 00:00:20,000 which are often overlooked. 9 00:00:20,000 --> 00:00:23,600 Absolutely, and really remarkable how that passion 10 00:00:23,600 --> 00:00:26,400 for the environment was kind of woven into his life 11 00:00:26,400 --> 00:00:28,120 from his childhood, you know, 12 00:00:28,120 --> 00:00:30,600 all the way to his impactful policies. 13 00:00:30,600 --> 00:00:31,520 Yeah, absolutely. 14 00:00:31,520 --> 00:00:34,360 I mean, who could imagine a presidential pet alligator today, 15 00:00:34,360 --> 00:00:37,720 but for young Jimmy Carter in Plains, Georgia, 16 00:00:37,720 --> 00:00:38,800 that was just part of life. 17 00:00:38,800 --> 00:00:39,640 Yeah. 18 00:00:39,640 --> 00:00:40,760 You know, he was known for his ability 19 00:00:40,760 --> 00:00:42,800 to identify every single bird in town. 20 00:00:42,800 --> 00:00:43,640 Wow. 21 00:00:43,640 --> 00:00:44,960 Really showed a deep connection with nature. 22 00:00:44,960 --> 00:00:47,960 And that really did inform his whole worldview. 23 00:00:47,960 --> 00:00:50,440 And it's so fascinating to see that boy from Plains, 24 00:00:50,440 --> 00:00:53,480 you know, who knew the natural world so intimately, 25 00:00:53,480 --> 00:00:56,320 grow up and champion conservation on this global scale. 26 00:00:56,320 --> 00:00:58,920 And nowhere was that more evident than 27 00:00:58,920 --> 00:01:02,360 in his fierce dedication to protecting Alaska's wilderness. 28 00:01:02,360 --> 00:01:05,200 He actually had a map of Alaska hanging in the Oval Office, 29 00:01:05,200 --> 00:01:08,040 just a constant reminder of his commitment 30 00:01:08,040 --> 00:01:09,800 to preserving that vast landscape. 31 00:01:09,800 --> 00:01:11,680 Yeah, that map wasn't just symbolic though. 32 00:01:11,680 --> 00:01:14,040 In 1978, he used the Antiquities Act 33 00:01:14,040 --> 00:01:16,720 to protect 56 million acres of Alaskan land. 34 00:01:16,720 --> 00:01:19,560 And that move drew some sharp criticism, 35 00:01:19,560 --> 00:01:21,320 but it really solidified his place 36 00:01:21,320 --> 00:01:24,160 among these other conservation giants like Theodore Roosevelt. 37 00:01:24,160 --> 00:01:25,880 He didn't stop there though. 38 00:01:25,880 --> 00:01:28,680 In 1980, he signed the Alaska National Interest Lands 39 00:01:28,680 --> 00:01:32,160 Conservation Act, and LCA for short, 40 00:01:32,160 --> 00:01:34,280 which protected over 100 million acres, 41 00:01:34,280 --> 00:01:37,400 effectively doubling the size of the National Park System. 42 00:01:37,400 --> 00:01:38,240 Wow. 43 00:01:38,240 --> 00:01:41,120 And the impact of that act is still felt today. 44 00:01:41,120 --> 00:01:42,880 It is absolutely just last year, 45 00:01:42,880 --> 00:01:45,520 Carter filed a legal brief against a proposed road 46 00:01:45,520 --> 00:01:48,000 through the Eisenbeck National Wildlife Refuge, 47 00:01:48,000 --> 00:01:49,880 which is a site protected by NLNCA. 48 00:01:49,880 --> 00:01:51,760 And he saw it as just this threat 49 00:01:51,760 --> 00:01:54,520 to the very ecosystem he fought so hard to protect. 50 00:01:54,520 --> 00:01:56,840 You know, it's incredible how decades later 51 00:01:56,840 --> 00:01:58,760 his commitment remains so strong, 52 00:01:58,760 --> 00:02:00,080 but it's also kind of ironic, isn't it, 53 00:02:00,080 --> 00:02:02,000 this attempt to safeguard the refuge 54 00:02:02,000 --> 00:02:06,040 led to criticism from Alaskan Senator Lisa Murkowski, 55 00:02:06,040 --> 00:02:07,400 who argued that Carter was out of touch 56 00:02:07,400 --> 00:02:08,720 with the needs of the local community. 57 00:02:08,720 --> 00:02:12,080 Yeah, it highlights the challenges inherent 58 00:02:12,080 --> 00:02:13,520 in these conservation efforts, right? 59 00:02:13,520 --> 00:02:17,320 The balance between preserving these natural landscapes 60 00:02:17,320 --> 00:02:20,040 and addressing the needs of people who live there. 61 00:02:20,040 --> 00:02:22,320 These are still challenges that we grapple with today. 62 00:02:22,320 --> 00:02:24,080 Yeah, okay, so let's switch gears a little bit 63 00:02:24,080 --> 00:02:27,440 and talk about Carter's approach to energy conservation. 64 00:02:27,440 --> 00:02:31,640 Picture this, 1977, the US is facing energy shortages, 65 00:02:31,640 --> 00:02:34,200 and President Carter wearing a cardigan sweater 66 00:02:34,200 --> 00:02:36,920 is urging Americans to turn down their thermostats. 67 00:02:36,920 --> 00:02:39,480 Ah, yes, the famous sweater speech. 68 00:02:39,480 --> 00:02:40,320 Right. 69 00:02:40,320 --> 00:02:42,200 It became the symbol of his presidency, 70 00:02:42,200 --> 00:02:44,200 kind of ridiculed by some, 71 00:02:44,200 --> 00:02:45,920 but it was a testament to his commitment 72 00:02:45,920 --> 00:02:47,080 to energy efficiency. 73 00:02:47,080 --> 00:02:49,600 And I think it's important to remember the context here. 74 00:02:49,600 --> 00:02:50,440 You know? 75 00:02:50,440 --> 00:02:51,280 Yeah. 76 00:02:51,280 --> 00:02:52,640 The US was heavily reliant on foreign oil, 77 00:02:52,640 --> 00:02:55,280 so the call for conservation wasn't coming from nowhere. 78 00:02:55,280 --> 00:02:57,200 Right, and he wasn't just talking the talk. 79 00:02:57,200 --> 00:02:58,600 He sold the presidential yacht, 80 00:02:58,600 --> 00:03:01,120 unplugged the White House TVs, you name it. 81 00:03:01,120 --> 00:03:03,080 He even inadvertently sparked 82 00:03:03,080 --> 00:03:04,760 a cardigan sweater fashion trend. 83 00:03:04,760 --> 00:03:06,240 Oh, wow, that's great. 84 00:03:06,240 --> 00:03:08,240 But of course his energy legacy is far more complex 85 00:03:08,240 --> 00:03:10,160 than just sweaters and thermostats. 86 00:03:10,160 --> 00:03:12,280 On the one hand, you have them installing solar panels 87 00:03:12,280 --> 00:03:15,760 on the White House, advocating for a 20% renewable energy mix 88 00:03:15,760 --> 00:03:19,160 by the year 2000 and creating the Department of Energy. 89 00:03:19,160 --> 00:03:21,720 So he had this incredible vision for a sustainable future. 90 00:03:21,720 --> 00:03:22,560 He did. 91 00:03:22,560 --> 00:03:23,720 On the other hand, he also promoted 92 00:03:23,720 --> 00:03:25,320 domestic coal production, 93 00:03:25,320 --> 00:03:28,120 which was a pragmatic decision driven by the desire 94 00:03:28,120 --> 00:03:30,200 for energy independence at a time 95 00:03:30,200 --> 00:03:32,120 when the US was feeling vulnerable. 96 00:03:32,120 --> 00:03:34,320 But it also had these unintended consequences 97 00:03:34,320 --> 00:03:36,640 that are contributing to the very climate challenges 98 00:03:36,640 --> 00:03:38,080 that we're facing today. 99 00:03:38,080 --> 00:03:40,560 It's almost a cautionary tale, isn't it? 100 00:03:40,560 --> 00:03:42,000 Economist Philip Verledger, 101 00:03:42,000 --> 00:03:43,760 who worked in the Carter administration, 102 00:03:43,760 --> 00:03:46,320 estimated that his coal policies actually resulted 103 00:03:46,320 --> 00:03:50,040 in five more years worth of CO2 emissions at 2000 levels. 104 00:03:50,040 --> 00:03:52,600 It is a reminder that even well-intentioned actions 105 00:03:52,600 --> 00:03:54,040 can have these ripple effects 106 00:03:54,040 --> 00:03:56,400 that go way beyond their initial scope. 107 00:03:56,400 --> 00:03:58,200 Progress is not always linear, 108 00:03:58,200 --> 00:04:00,560 and it's important to examine these historical decisions 109 00:04:00,560 --> 00:04:02,000 with a critical eye. 110 00:04:02,000 --> 00:04:04,160 So you see this mix of progressive vision 111 00:04:04,160 --> 00:04:07,160 and pragmatic decision making in his energy policy. 112 00:04:07,160 --> 00:04:10,040 But when you look at the arc of his life, 113 00:04:10,040 --> 00:04:13,520 you see this unwavering commitment to renewable energy 114 00:04:13,520 --> 00:04:15,520 that really shines through. 115 00:04:15,520 --> 00:04:18,600 You see it in 2017 when he leased land 116 00:04:18,600 --> 00:04:22,120 in his hometown of Plains for a solar power project, 117 00:04:22,120 --> 00:04:24,560 which now provides half of the town's electricity. 118 00:04:24,560 --> 00:04:25,400 That's amazing. 119 00:04:25,400 --> 00:04:27,200 It's this beautiful full circle moment 120 00:04:27,200 --> 00:04:30,600 that really speaks volumes about his enduring belief 121 00:04:30,600 --> 00:04:32,160 in a sustainable future. 122 00:04:32,160 --> 00:04:34,240 He even said at the dedication event, 123 00:04:34,240 --> 00:04:36,920 this site will be as symbolically important 124 00:04:36,920 --> 00:04:39,400 as the 32 panels that we put on the White House. 125 00:04:39,400 --> 00:04:40,240 Wow. 126 00:04:40,240 --> 00:04:42,360 He clearly understood the power of symbolism 127 00:04:42,360 --> 00:04:43,840 and leading by example. 128 00:04:43,840 --> 00:04:45,200 It's incredibly powerful 129 00:04:45,200 --> 00:04:47,200 and it leads us to another fascinating chapter 130 00:04:47,200 --> 00:04:49,320 in his environmental legacy, 131 00:04:49,320 --> 00:04:51,240 his work on the international stage. 132 00:04:51,240 --> 00:04:53,560 It's interesting to think about how Carter's presidency 133 00:04:53,560 --> 00:04:57,800 really coincided with this growing global awareness 134 00:04:57,800 --> 00:04:59,640 of environmental issues. 135 00:04:59,640 --> 00:05:02,920 The 1970s saw the emergence of international agreements 136 00:05:02,920 --> 00:05:05,360 on things like pollution and endangered species, 137 00:05:05,360 --> 00:05:09,440 and even the very early stages of climate change discussions. 138 00:05:09,440 --> 00:05:10,880 It seems like he had this understanding 139 00:05:10,880 --> 00:05:13,840 that environmental challenges transcended borders, 140 00:05:13,840 --> 00:05:16,400 that we're all kind of connected in this web of life. 141 00:05:16,400 --> 00:05:19,160 How did that translate into action on the world stage? 142 00:05:19,160 --> 00:05:20,960 Well, one of the most significant examples 143 00:05:20,960 --> 00:05:23,240 is his involvement with the United Nations 144 00:05:23,240 --> 00:05:25,680 Environment Program, UNEP for short. 145 00:05:25,680 --> 00:05:26,520 Right. 146 00:05:26,520 --> 00:05:28,200 It was established in 1972 147 00:05:28,200 --> 00:05:29,760 and became this focal point 148 00:05:29,760 --> 00:05:31,840 for global environmental diplomacy. 149 00:05:31,840 --> 00:05:34,680 And Carter was a strong supporter of their mission 150 00:05:34,680 --> 00:05:36,560 throughout his presidency. 151 00:05:36,560 --> 00:05:38,800 So he wasn't just focused on domestic issues. 152 00:05:38,800 --> 00:05:39,960 He was looking to collaborate 153 00:05:39,960 --> 00:05:43,160 with the international community to find solutions. 154 00:05:43,160 --> 00:05:44,720 Were there any specific achievements 155 00:05:44,720 --> 00:05:46,080 we can point to in that realm? 156 00:05:46,080 --> 00:05:48,400 Well, he played a key role in the negotiation 157 00:05:48,400 --> 00:05:50,480 of the Convention on International Trade, 158 00:05:50,480 --> 00:05:54,000 an endangered species of wild flora and fauna, 159 00:05:54,000 --> 00:05:55,720 also known as cites. 160 00:05:55,720 --> 00:05:56,560 Okay. 161 00:05:56,560 --> 00:05:59,240 This landmark treaty was signed in 1973 162 00:05:59,240 --> 00:06:01,240 and went into effect in 1975, 163 00:06:01,240 --> 00:06:03,920 and it aimed to regulate the international trade 164 00:06:03,920 --> 00:06:07,040 of endangered plants and animals to prevent their extinction. 165 00:06:07,040 --> 00:06:08,120 I'm familiar with cites. 166 00:06:08,120 --> 00:06:09,080 It's still a cornerstone 167 00:06:09,080 --> 00:06:11,240 of global conservation efforts today. 168 00:06:11,240 --> 00:06:13,400 It's remarkable to think that Carter had a hand 169 00:06:13,400 --> 00:06:16,040 in its creation, demonstrating his commitment 170 00:06:16,040 --> 00:06:19,360 to protecting biodiversity on a global scale. 171 00:06:19,360 --> 00:06:22,080 What other international initiatives did he champion? 172 00:06:22,080 --> 00:06:23,760 Well, he was also a vocal advocate 173 00:06:23,760 --> 00:06:26,480 for addressing what was called transboundary pollution, 174 00:06:26,480 --> 00:06:28,040 particularly acid rain, 175 00:06:28,040 --> 00:06:31,200 which was a major environmental concern in the late 1970s. 176 00:06:31,200 --> 00:06:32,040 Right. 177 00:06:32,040 --> 00:06:34,200 Acid rain, which was caused by sulfur dioxide 178 00:06:34,200 --> 00:06:37,080 and nitrogen oxide emissions from industrial activities, 179 00:06:37,080 --> 00:06:39,160 was damaging forests and waterways 180 00:06:39,160 --> 00:06:41,280 across North America and Europe. 181 00:06:41,280 --> 00:06:43,040 That's a perfect example of how these problems 182 00:06:43,040 --> 00:06:45,320 don't respect political boundaries. 183 00:06:45,320 --> 00:06:46,720 What steps did Carter take 184 00:06:46,720 --> 00:06:48,960 to address that particular issue? 185 00:06:48,960 --> 00:06:51,480 Well, he worked with Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau, 186 00:06:51,480 --> 00:06:53,440 to establish a joint commission 187 00:06:53,440 --> 00:06:56,040 to study the problem and come up with solutions. 188 00:06:56,040 --> 00:06:58,840 And this collaboration ultimately led to the signing 189 00:06:58,840 --> 00:07:02,560 of the Canada United States Air Quality Agreement in 1980, 190 00:07:02,560 --> 00:07:03,680 which was a precursor 191 00:07:03,680 --> 00:07:06,640 to later international agreements on acid rain. 192 00:07:06,640 --> 00:07:08,160 So he was forging these partnerships, 193 00:07:08,160 --> 00:07:10,520 recognizing that cooperation was key 194 00:07:10,520 --> 00:07:12,520 to tackling these environmental challenges 195 00:07:12,520 --> 00:07:15,000 that extended beyond any single nation's borders. 196 00:07:15,000 --> 00:07:17,120 He was really emphasizing that we're all in this together, 197 00:07:17,120 --> 00:07:17,960 wasn't he? 198 00:07:17,960 --> 00:07:18,800 He was. 199 00:07:18,800 --> 00:07:21,000 And that message resonates even more strongly today 200 00:07:21,000 --> 00:07:23,520 as we face the global threat of climate change. 201 00:07:23,520 --> 00:07:26,400 While his presidency predated the widespread recognition 202 00:07:26,400 --> 00:07:29,760 of climate change as the existential threat it is today, 203 00:07:29,760 --> 00:07:31,680 his actions laid some of the groundwork 204 00:07:31,680 --> 00:07:33,800 for future international climate action. 205 00:07:33,800 --> 00:07:35,960 It's fascinating to think about that. 206 00:07:35,960 --> 00:07:38,960 How did his early focus on energy conservation 207 00:07:38,960 --> 00:07:41,880 and renewable energy tie into that emerging 208 00:07:41,880 --> 00:07:43,280 climate change discourse? 209 00:07:43,280 --> 00:07:45,080 Well, while climate change wasn't explicitly 210 00:07:45,080 --> 00:07:46,480 on the agenda at that time, 211 00:07:46,480 --> 00:07:48,240 his push for energy efficiency 212 00:07:48,240 --> 00:07:51,000 and the development of alternative energy sources 213 00:07:51,000 --> 00:07:52,520 can be seen as early steps 214 00:07:52,520 --> 00:07:55,120 toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 215 00:07:55,120 --> 00:07:57,360 So in a way he was ahead of his time advocating 216 00:07:57,360 --> 00:07:59,360 for solutions that would later become central 217 00:07:59,360 --> 00:08:01,600 to addressing climate change. 218 00:08:01,600 --> 00:08:03,880 It's almost as if he had this intuitive understanding 219 00:08:03,880 --> 00:08:06,000 of the interconnectedness of energy 220 00:08:06,000 --> 00:08:07,960 and the environment and global wellbeing. 221 00:08:07,960 --> 00:08:10,360 He did, and that was reflected in his creation 222 00:08:10,360 --> 00:08:11,280 of the Department of Energy, 223 00:08:11,280 --> 00:08:14,120 which while initially focused on energy independence 224 00:08:14,120 --> 00:08:17,040 has evolved to play a crucial role in climate science 225 00:08:17,040 --> 00:08:19,560 and the development of clean energy technologies. 226 00:08:19,560 --> 00:08:21,440 It's remarkable how some of these initiatives 227 00:08:21,440 --> 00:08:23,080 launched decades ago 228 00:08:23,080 --> 00:08:24,480 continue to shape our approach 229 00:08:24,480 --> 00:08:26,600 to environmental challenges today. 230 00:08:26,600 --> 00:08:29,400 His legacy really extends far beyond 231 00:08:29,400 --> 00:08:30,640 that single term in office. 232 00:08:30,640 --> 00:08:33,440 It does, and his international efforts, 233 00:08:33,440 --> 00:08:36,320 particularly his focus on collaborative solutions 234 00:08:36,320 --> 00:08:38,600 and his early recognition of the interconnectedness 235 00:08:38,600 --> 00:08:41,760 of environmental issues offer valuable lessons for us 236 00:08:41,760 --> 00:08:44,040 as we navigate an increasingly complex 237 00:08:44,040 --> 00:08:45,560 and interconnected world. 238 00:08:45,560 --> 00:08:48,120 It's also worth noting that his environmental legacy 239 00:08:48,120 --> 00:08:50,000 wasn't without its complexities. 240 00:08:50,000 --> 00:08:53,520 We discussed his support for domestic coal production earlier, 241 00:08:53,520 --> 00:08:56,440 a decision driven by the energy realities of the time, 242 00:08:56,440 --> 00:08:58,680 but one that had lasting environmental consequences. 243 00:08:58,680 --> 00:09:00,000 Yeah, that's an important point. 244 00:09:00,000 --> 00:09:02,680 It highlights the challenge of balancing competing priorities 245 00:09:02,680 --> 00:09:05,800 and making tough choices in the face of uncertainty. 246 00:09:05,800 --> 00:09:08,800 It also underscores the need for constant reevaluation 247 00:09:08,800 --> 00:09:10,600 and adaptation as our understanding 248 00:09:10,600 --> 00:09:12,440 of environmental issues evolves. 249 00:09:12,440 --> 00:09:15,240 Speaking of adaptation, his decision to install 250 00:09:15,240 --> 00:09:18,480 those solar panels on the White House, while symbolic, 251 00:09:18,480 --> 00:09:19,760 was also a bold statement 252 00:09:19,760 --> 00:09:22,560 about the potential of renewable energy. 253 00:09:22,560 --> 00:09:24,960 And even though they were later removed, 254 00:09:24,960 --> 00:09:27,560 those panels left an indelible mark on history. 255 00:09:27,560 --> 00:09:28,680 They did that gesture, 256 00:09:28,680 --> 00:09:31,040 captured the imagination of people worldwide. 257 00:09:31,040 --> 00:09:33,760 It signaled a willingness to embrace new technologies 258 00:09:33,760 --> 00:09:35,720 and envision a different energy future. 259 00:09:35,720 --> 00:09:38,800 And in a way, it foreshadowed the resurgence of solar power 260 00:09:38,800 --> 00:09:40,080 that we're seeing today. 261 00:09:40,080 --> 00:09:41,800 It's like planting a seed back then 262 00:09:41,800 --> 00:09:44,480 that took root and flourished decades later. 263 00:09:44,480 --> 00:09:47,680 It speaks to the long-term impact of visionary leadership 264 00:09:47,680 --> 00:09:50,080 and the power of ideas to transcend time. 265 00:09:50,080 --> 00:09:51,560 And speaking of visionary leadership, 266 00:09:51,560 --> 00:09:54,160 we can't overlook Carter's post-presidency work 267 00:09:54,160 --> 00:09:55,240 through the Carter Center, 268 00:09:55,240 --> 00:09:58,080 where he continued to champion environmental causes, 269 00:09:58,080 --> 00:09:59,880 along with promoting peace and human rights 270 00:09:59,880 --> 00:10:00,920 on a global scale. 271 00:10:00,920 --> 00:10:01,760 Right. 272 00:10:01,760 --> 00:10:03,240 His commitment to making a difference 273 00:10:03,240 --> 00:10:04,920 didn't end when he left office. 274 00:10:04,920 --> 00:10:07,840 It became a defining characteristic of his life. 275 00:10:07,840 --> 00:10:10,520 So let's delve into that final chapter of his story 276 00:10:10,520 --> 00:10:13,040 in part three of our deep dive. 277 00:10:13,040 --> 00:10:14,360 You know, it's truly inspiring 278 00:10:14,360 --> 00:10:16,480 how President Carter's dedication to service 279 00:10:16,480 --> 00:10:18,920 went far beyond his time in the White House. 280 00:10:18,920 --> 00:10:22,200 He and Rosalind really embarked on this remarkable journey 281 00:10:22,200 --> 00:10:23,040 with the Carter Center, 282 00:10:23,040 --> 00:10:25,040 tackling some of the world's toughest challenges. 283 00:10:25,040 --> 00:10:25,880 Yeah. 284 00:10:25,880 --> 00:10:29,200 And what's fascinating is how they approach these issues 285 00:10:29,200 --> 00:10:32,360 with this blend of diplomacy, compassion, 286 00:10:32,360 --> 00:10:35,280 and this very practical get things done attitude. 287 00:10:35,280 --> 00:10:37,320 You know, it's not just about talking. 288 00:10:37,320 --> 00:10:38,720 They were deeply involved 289 00:10:38,720 --> 00:10:41,040 in some incredible initiatives on the ground. 290 00:10:41,040 --> 00:10:42,760 Yeah, their work on global health 291 00:10:42,760 --> 00:10:44,120 immediately comes to mind. 292 00:10:44,120 --> 00:10:45,640 You know, they were instrumental in the fight 293 00:10:45,640 --> 00:10:47,120 against guinea worm disease, 294 00:10:47,120 --> 00:10:49,520 a parasitic infection that once affected millions 295 00:10:49,520 --> 00:10:51,000 across Africa and Asia. 296 00:10:51,000 --> 00:10:51,840 Absolutely. 297 00:10:51,840 --> 00:10:54,480 They helped to dramatically reduce the number of cases 298 00:10:54,480 --> 00:10:56,760 through education, community-based interventions, 299 00:10:56,760 --> 00:11:00,000 just relentless dedication to eradicating this disease. 300 00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:01,960 They brought it down from millions of cases 301 00:11:01,960 --> 00:11:05,320 in the 1980s to just a handful in recent years. 302 00:11:05,320 --> 00:11:07,000 That is an incredible achievement. 303 00:11:07,000 --> 00:11:09,080 And it shows that even the most challenging problems 304 00:11:09,080 --> 00:11:12,040 could be tackled with focused effort and collaboration. 305 00:11:12,040 --> 00:11:12,880 Right. 306 00:11:12,880 --> 00:11:13,720 What else? 307 00:11:13,720 --> 00:11:16,680 And their work goes beyond disease eradication too. 308 00:11:16,680 --> 00:11:18,600 The Carter Center has also been active 309 00:11:18,600 --> 00:11:21,080 in promoting democracy and human rights, 310 00:11:21,080 --> 00:11:22,720 working on conflict resolution 311 00:11:22,720 --> 00:11:24,920 and supporting agricultural development 312 00:11:24,920 --> 00:11:26,920 in some of the most difficult regions around the world. 313 00:11:26,920 --> 00:11:27,960 It's like they were drawn 314 00:11:27,960 --> 00:11:30,840 to these complex interconnected issues 315 00:11:30,840 --> 00:11:32,480 where there's no easy fix, 316 00:11:32,480 --> 00:11:34,240 but where their unique approach 317 00:11:34,240 --> 00:11:35,440 could really make a difference. 318 00:11:35,440 --> 00:11:36,480 You hit the nail on the head. 319 00:11:36,480 --> 00:11:38,000 They saw that interconnectedness. 320 00:11:38,000 --> 00:11:39,960 You know, understanding that promoting peace 321 00:11:39,960 --> 00:11:43,080 and human rights could create this more stable foundation 322 00:11:43,080 --> 00:11:46,400 for addressing environmental challenges and vice versa. 323 00:11:46,400 --> 00:11:48,440 It all comes back to that holistic approach 324 00:11:48,440 --> 00:11:50,360 that President Carter embodied, 325 00:11:50,360 --> 00:11:53,360 understanding that we can't separate environmental issues 326 00:11:53,360 --> 00:11:56,720 from social justice, economic development, you know, 327 00:11:56,720 --> 00:11:57,680 global peace. 328 00:11:57,680 --> 00:11:59,840 And that perspective is even more relevant today 329 00:11:59,840 --> 00:12:01,960 as we face these interconnected challenges 330 00:12:01,960 --> 00:12:05,280 of climate change, poverty, conflict migration. 331 00:12:05,280 --> 00:12:06,120 Mm-hmm. 332 00:12:06,120 --> 00:12:07,520 President Carter has been a strong voice 333 00:12:07,520 --> 00:12:09,280 for that kind of integrated thinking, 334 00:12:09,280 --> 00:12:11,760 reminding us that the challenges are complex, 335 00:12:11,760 --> 00:12:13,560 but that shouldn't make us give up. 336 00:12:13,560 --> 00:12:15,560 We need to be more creative, more collaborative, 337 00:12:15,560 --> 00:12:18,200 and never stop looking for solutions. 338 00:12:18,200 --> 00:12:19,920 And he's a powerful example 339 00:12:19,920 --> 00:12:23,320 of how leadership extends beyond political office, you know. 340 00:12:23,320 --> 00:12:26,520 It can take many forms from grassroots activism 341 00:12:26,520 --> 00:12:31,400 to philanthropy, to just living a life guided by compassion 342 00:12:31,400 --> 00:12:34,840 and a commitment to making the world a better place. 343 00:12:34,840 --> 00:12:38,000 So as we reflect on President Carter's life and legacy, 344 00:12:38,000 --> 00:12:40,040 what stands as it is his spirit of service 345 00:12:40,040 --> 00:12:43,400 and unwavering belief in the power of collective action. 346 00:12:43,400 --> 00:12:45,480 And he showed us that even when facing 347 00:12:45,480 --> 00:12:47,920 these seemingly insurmountable challenges, 348 00:12:47,920 --> 00:12:49,760 there's always hope, there's always a way forward 349 00:12:49,760 --> 00:12:51,200 if we're willing to work together 350 00:12:51,200 --> 00:12:53,600 and never give up on building a more just 351 00:12:53,600 --> 00:12:54,960 and sustainable world. 352 00:12:54,960 --> 00:12:56,280 That's a beautiful way to sum it up 353 00:12:56,280 --> 00:12:58,240 and perhaps the best way we can honor him 354 00:12:58,240 --> 00:13:00,400 is to carry forward that legacy of service, 355 00:13:00,400 --> 00:13:02,200 embrace his holistic vision, 356 00:13:02,200 --> 00:13:05,400 and never lose sight of the interconnectedness of our world 357 00:13:05,400 --> 00:13:08,480 and our shared responsibility for its well-being. 358 00:13:08,480 --> 00:13:09,320 Well said. 359 00:13:09,320 --> 00:13:11,040 So as we wrap up this deep drive 360 00:13:11,040 --> 00:13:12,960 into Jimmy Carter's life and legacy, 361 00:13:12,960 --> 00:13:15,720 we are left with a sense of gratitude for his contributions 362 00:13:15,720 --> 00:13:17,760 and a renewed sense of purpose. 363 00:13:17,760 --> 00:13:19,080 He showed us what's possible 364 00:13:19,080 --> 00:13:20,680 when we combine vision, compassion, 365 00:13:20,680 --> 00:13:22,520 and a tireless dedication to service. 366 00:13:22,520 --> 00:13:26,360 What a legacy.