Three questions to Abbey

Before we dive in Abbey, remind us what you do for work and what it means to you

I grew up in the Snowy Mountains in Australia, and over the past decade have lived and worked in New York and Europe. I’m currently a Legal Officer for the United Nations, specialising in international human rights law. What I love most about this field is the connection to different cultures it facilitates, it reminds me daily of our shared humanity, even amidst the hardest moments. I’ve been working with the UN for a few years now, most recently through the war in Gaza. While it has broken my heart in many ways, my faith in humankind is stronger than ever. Every act of brutality is mirrored by ten acts of kindness.

What’s something you’ve changed your mind about recently?

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the venture capital space and its foray into climate solutions. A question at the edge of my mind was whether intention (profit or goodwill) matters in this space. Initially, I felt that necessarily partners for change should be motivated by something more than the bottom line (because we could imagine cases where a conflict of interest could arise, leading to choosing profits over climate solutions). However, seeing the amount of innovation occurring due to economic incentives being positively stacked, I’ve changed my mind. Really positive climate solutions are being achieved within the fabric of our capitalist system, which is fantastic.

Who is someone you admire, and why?

Joan of Arc, randomly! She was a strong voice from an unlikely heroine that caused great effect in a period of history. Also, I can’t not mention Jane Goodall - she demonstrated such grace as a warrior for the climate, and leaves such a legacy for us.

If you had to give a TED talk tomorrow, what topic would you choose and why?

I’m working as a legal officer for the UN aiding Palestinian refugees, but I also have a strong interest in health and the environment. Sometimes I wonder about how fixing our roots can also impact our political ecosystem. We know that the depleted quality of our soil correlates to our gut microbiome, which again can impact decision making. On a broader level in politics and diplomacy, for example in the Middle East currently, I wonder if helping to fix the way that we grow things can also lend itself to more peaceful societies.

What’s one idea you think deserves more attention?

I recently saw Al Gore speak, and he touched on the climate’s capacity to renew infinitely if we just neutralise our emissions. I think seeing the planet as our a powerful and strong ally could help motivate us right now.

If you could change one policy or norm in society, what would it be and why?

Equal access to education and holistic healthcare.

What’s something you hope future generations do better than we are doing now?

Perhaps thinking about the collective before the individual - even if something is beneficial on an individual/corporate level, asking about the highest good of all (others, the planet) involved.