Could taking care of the planet also be the key to improving your mental health? In this TEDxVUAmsterdam talk, psychologist Karen Holtmaat dives into the often-overlooked "space between" climate change and our psychological well-being, revealing a profound connection that impacts us all.From the hidden effects of rising temperatures on our mood to the surprising weight of climate awareness, Karen uncovers how our environment directly influences our minds. She then offers a powerful, three-step psychological antidote to climate anxiety: Face it, Feel it, Act on it. Prepare for an eye-opening journey that will reframe your understanding of climate action and empower you to make choices that benefit both the Earth and your own well-being. Karen Holtmaat, an assistant professor in clinical psychology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, specializes in the intersection of climate change and mental health. Her expertise, stemming from backgrounds in both psychology and religious studies, allows her to approach this topic from individual and societal perspectives. She is a co-author of the first Dutch book on climate psychology and has initiated a grassroots movement to encourage climate conversations and local greening efforts. 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

Have you ever interacted with an AI chatbot and wondered how it's so incredibly good? The strange truth is, even the experts don't fully understand why these systems work so well.In this mind-bending TEDxVUAmsterdam talk, theologian Marius Dorobantu dives into the unexpected secret behind AI's surprising intelligence: human language itself. He argues that language is far "more than" just data, it carries a profound metaphysical depth and even an "imprint of our humanity," something theology has been exploring for centuries. If language is such a potent catalyst for both human and artificial intelligence, what happens when we outsource its production to AI systems?This talk challenges us to rethink our relationship with language, how we interact with AI, and how we can use ancient wisdom to understand our choices in a technological world. Marius Dorobantu is an Assistant Professor of Theology & Artificial Intelligence at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. His award-winning doctoral dissertation at the University of Strasbourg, France (2020) explored the potential implications of strong artificial intelligence for theological anthropology.Marius is the lead editor of the Routledge volume Perspectives on Spiritual Intelligence (2024). His first monograph, Artificial Intelligence and the Image of God: Are We More than Intelligent Machines?, is in press with Cambridge University Press. 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

Demokratie fühlt sich oft selbstverständlich an – bis sie in Gefahr gerät. Nachrichtenjournalistin Victoria Reichelt zeigt, warum viele Menschen das Vertrauen in demokratische Prozesse verlieren und warum populistische Strömungen weltweit auf dem Vormarsch sind. Sie erklärt, wie soziale Medien, wirtschaftliche Unsicherheiten und politische Debatten unsere Gesellschaft spalten – und was wir konkret tun können, um die Demokratie zu erhalten. Dieser Talk ist ein Aufruf an jeden Einzelnen, Demokratie nicht als etwas Gegebenes zu betrachten, sondern aktiv zu gestalten – in kleinen, alltäglichen Momenten ebenso wie in großen gesellschaftlichen Bewegungen. Victoria Reichelt studiert bis 2018 Wirtschaftskommunikation in Berlin und Mexiko. Im Anschluss absolviert sie ein Volontariat für politische Kommunikation in Berlin und Brüssel. Seit 2019 arbeitet sie als Journalistin und berichtet bis 2022 bei Deutschland3000 (funk) gemeinsam mit Eva Schulz über Politik.Seit 2022 moderiert Victoria bei ZDFheute live und ergänzt das Moderationsteam des Funk-Formats „DIE DA OBEN“. 2024 startet der dazugehörige Podcast „ABSOLUTE MEHRHEIT“, bei dem sie im Gespräch mit Spitzenpolitiker:innen das Gedankenexperiment durchspielt, welche politischen Ideen die Gäst:innen losgelöst von Koalitions- und Kompromissdruck sofort umsetzen würden. Auf ihren TikTok- und Instagramkanälen spricht sie mit ihrer Community auf humorvolle Art über politische Themen, die ihre Generation bewegen. 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

Don't compete with the machine, use the machine to compete. Smart leaders leverage AI to enhance their decision-making while focusing on what AI can't do – building trust, creating vision, and connecting with their teams. Why? Because AI projects fail when employees fear replacement and don't trust leadership's intentions.In the age of AI, intelligence becomes cheap and abundant, but human wisdom remains rare. The future belongs to "super communicators" who can bridge the gap between people and technology, turning AI from threat to competitive advantage. Oliver Aust is a bestselling author and communication expert whose book "Message Machine" has helped leaders master the art of impactful messaging. As a sought-after speaker and advisor, he works with hundreds of CEOs and government leaders to enhance their communication strategies in an increasingly complex business landscape. Aust specializes in helping organizations navigate digital transformation challenges, particularly focusing on how leaders can maintain human connection and trust while adopting new technologies like AI. Connect with Oliver Aust on Linkedin here: https://de.linkedin.com/in/oliver-aust 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

Costruire una scuola che alimenti i desideri dei giovani è possibile. Con impegno, condivisione e cuore! Esperta di formazione. Laureata in Scienze dell'Educazione e successivamente in Discipline Psicosociali. Coach certificata, specializzata in Teen & Parent e Orientatrice. Dopo aver svolto per più di 15 anni il ruolo di Responsabile Formazione, ha deciso di dedicarsi agli adolescenti. Si occupa di coaching e mentoring, lavorando con diversi Istituti scolastici. 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

In this powerful talk, Master Aadit Kedia recounts what it takes to push past exhaustion, fear, and self-doubt at altitudes where most would turn back. From battling harsh winds and low oxygen at Everest Base Camp to navigating the steep, freezing trails of Kilimanjaro, Aadit invites the audience into his world, one where every step is a test of character. With clarity beyond his years, he reflects on the toughest moments of his expeditions, how he kept going when it felt impossible, and what the mountains taught him about resilience, mindset, and growth. His journey isn’t just about reaching the summit, it’s about discovering what you’re truly capable of when you refuse to give up. Master Aadit Kedia, a 14-year-old mountaineer from Utpal Shanghvi Global School, is one of the youngest Indians to summit Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, and trek to Everest Base Camp. With over 11,000 meters climbed, he belongs to the rare 60% of climbers who successfully reach Kilimanjaro’s summit. Through months of disciplined physical and mental training, Aadit has proven that grit, resilience, and determination know no age. 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