The climate crisis often leaves us feeling powerless, creating a cycle of inaction that worsens the situation. While the knowledge and solutions to transition exist, gaps in policy and action hold us back. Isabell Steidel shares an example of planting trees to inspire climate action, only for systemic resistance to lead to failure, showing how the environment pays the price for inaction. Isabell Steidel is a Sustainability Advisor and Founder driving socio-ecological transformation in Heilbronn. As a young city councilor, deputy faction leader of the Green Party, and former G7 and G20 youth delegate, she champions sustainable solutions with unwavering determination. Her clear vision for addressing societal challenges shapes both local politics and community awareness for the urgent changes our world needs. 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

Forests are under immense pressure from climate change, with hotter and more frequent droughts causing widespread tree mortality. Studies, like those in Biosphere 2, show how trees adapt by prioritizing water storage over photosynthesis, but their resilience is being tested. Dr. Christiane Werner is Professor of Ecosystem Physiology, investigating how plants and ecosystems respond to climate change from molecular to global scales. Her research spans from photosynthesis and water relations to ecosystem-atmosphere interactions, exploring how plants adapt to environmental stress and revealing the intricate connections between plant physiology and ecosystem functioning in our changing 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

Our bodies can produce powerful, natural substances that can enhance well-being and happiness. This talk explores how activities like sports, intimacy, and singing can trigger the release of endorphins, dopamine, oxytocin, and endocannabinoids—natural "drugs" our bodies produce to relieve pain, boost mood, and strengthen social bonds. Dr. Inga Neumann is Chair of Neurobiology & Animal Physiology at the University of Regensburg. Her pioneering research decodes the neurobiological mechanisms underlying emotions and social behavior, focusing on how neuropeptides like oxytocin and vasopressin regulate fear, aggression, and social interactions. Her work explores the therapeutic potential of these brain modulators for treating anxiety, social phobia, and stress-related disorders, bridging fundamental neuroscience with promising clinical applications. 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

Vasundhra Das shares a powerful personal journey shaped by brief, life-altering moments, both in history and in her own life. She opens with stories from across time: the Big Bang, Gandhi’s awakening in South Africa, the assassination that sparked World War I, Hitler’s rejected art school application, and India’s fight for independence. Each one is a reminder of how a single moment can shift the course of history.She then turns to her own story. From being told not to perform as a child to quietly finding her way onto major platforms, and from injury and setbacks to rediscovering her voice, her journey has been defined by persistence and quiet strength. Through career pauses, personal loss, and self-doubt, she kept coming back to her music, her identity, and her purpose.In this heartfelt talk, Vasundhra reflects on the power of small moments to shape entire lives. With calm clarity, she reminds us that no one is bigger or smaller than you, and every moment is a chance to begin again. Vasundhara Das is a multi-talented actor, singer, and entrepreneur, known for her roles in films like Hey Ram and Monsoon Wedding and for playback hits such as Shakalaka Baby and It's the Time to Disco. Trained in Hindustani classical music, she has collaborated with renowned composers like A.R. Rahman. As an entrepreneur, she co-founded Drumjam, using music for corporate team-building and community engagement. A certified drum circle facilitator and sound healer, Vasundhara also works with diverse groups through her foundation. She continues to innovate in music and sound healing, always exploring new frontiers. 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 our digital age designing apps that people actually happily use has become a big challenge. Amid millions of apps, it is hard to deliver an outstanding product that people like and find interesting. But why are so many apps boring, unintuitive and deleted quickly? Dr. Mahsa Fischer digs deeper into questions like these in her talk and uncovers how the method of Design Thinking and fulfilling real user needs will lead us to designing apps that people love and use. Dr. Mahsa Fischer is a Research Professor specializing in Human-Centered Software Development and Human-AI Interaction at HHN. Her research focuses on creating more intuitive and meaningful connections between humans and computer systems. 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 thought-provoking TEDx talk, Tanmoy Acharjee explores how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the very fabric of digital marketing. From precision targeting to emotionally intelligent brand interactions, AI is no longer just a tool; it's the heartbeat of modern marketing. With real-life examples from social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, Tanmoy dives deep into how AI curates content, understands user behaviour, and fosters human-like engagement. He challenges us to rethink marketing not just as persuasion, but as a meaningful connection in a world governed by algorithms. Whether you're a brand strategist, a tech enthusiast, or a curious mind, this talk offers a timely glimpse into the future of human-AI collaboration in the age of attention. Tanmoy Acharjee is a dynamic doctoral researcher, marketing and communication expert, and digital strategist who is redefining the landscape of modern branding. As the co-founder of Ad Mandi Research and Advertising Services, he seamlessly blends academic rigor with practical innovation, crafting strategies that resonate in today’s fast-evolving digital world. His research delves into social media behavior, consumer engagement, market trends, and their influence on academic and brand performance. His contributions to academia and student development earned him the Youth Icon Award (2021) for excellence in academics and community engagement. Tanmoy continues to empower brands to connect authentically with audiences while fostering innovation at the intersection of communication, technology, and human behavior. 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