2025 Theme: change within reach

Researchers across a number of fields have begun to use a new term to describe the situation facing our world - polycrisis. A polycrisis occurs when a cluster of global risks exist concurrently and are inextricably bound, leading to a compounding effect.

With the myriad impacts on our planet it is easy to get anxious or depressed about the state of our world. Yet, in the face of this moment, the resilience of humanity also continues to shine brightly. In a study by UNICEF USA that surveyed more than 3,000 people ages 16-24, 81% described themselves as optimists, realists, or activists, while only 6% were categorized as apathetic or pessimistic.

At TEDxRiverdale we want to embrace the prevailing optimism rather than passively awaiting the impact of a polycrisis. This year, come hear stories of how we can unite and innovate, and get inspired by real world examples that show change within reach.