TED talks have gripped the world with inspirational discussions from great minds such as Bill Clinton, Stephen Hawking and Elon Musk. Now Year 12 Scotch College student and budding environmental activist Riki Theodorakakos is joining the illustrious trend with a stigma-challenging presentation on a novel topic at her school’s own TEDxYouth event.

The 17-year-old, from Malvern, will speak about the environmental benefits of hemp as a crop at tomorrow’s event.

“I’m talking about ... all the fantastic things it could do for our environment if we were to hone in on its power,” says Riki, who hopes to study law and environmental policy at university.

“I hope that it (the talk) will start breaking down the stigma surrounding hemp.

“Its purpose is often misconstrued due to the stereotypes around marijuana. I hope that people can recognise the incredible amount of potential that this crop could have for Australia.”

Other speakers at the TEDxYouth event are NSW Young Australian of the Year Macinley Butson and Andrea Boyd, the only Australian working in flight control for the International Space Station.

“It’s a pretty amazing line-up so I can’t believe that I’m going to be part of it,” Riki says.

TEDxYouth kicks off at 8.30am tomorrow at Scotch College, Torrens Park. Tickets at tedxyouthscotch.com.au.

-- Original article by Kaysee Miller (Urban Affairs Reporter) appeared in The Advertiser, 6/6/2019.