27 May 2026
This talk-simulation allowed guests to engage with a difficult topic, exploring the facts, engaging in a simulation, and opening discussion on the topic.
On 27 May 2026, SmallTalX® welcomed Dr Saskia van Oosterhout to the Franschhoek Theatre for an engaging exploration of climate change, its local implications, and the role individuals can play in responding to one of the defining challenges of our time.
Through a clear and accessible presentation, Dr van Oosterhout guided attendees through the fundamentals of climate science, from the greenhouse effect and the drivers of global warming to the acceleration of climate change in recent decades. A particularly engaging element was an online simulation that attendees played on their phones, placing them in the role of decision-makers tasked with navigating the complexities of policy, technology, and trade-offs in an effort to reach net-zero emissions within a fixed timeframe. The exercise brought the challenges of climate action to life, moving the discussion from abstract concepts to the difficult choices involved in shaping possible futures.
The discussion then turned to the impacts of climate change, both globally and locally, and the actions needed to address them. Dr van Oosterhout explored the relationship between large-scale interventions—such as policy reform, technological innovation, and economic transition—and the equally important role of community action, behavioural change, and public education.
Perhaps most importantly, the talk encouraged reflection on where each of us fits into this picture. The lively discussion that followed revealed both the challenges and opportunities of navigating climate change, prompting thoughtful questions about responsibility, agency, and how meaningful change can emerge from both the top down and the bottom up.
These are precisely the kinds of conversations SmallTalX® seeks to foster. Rather than leaving audiences overwhelmed by the scale of the problem, Dr van Oosterhout invited attendees to engage with curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of possibility. Understanding begins with paying attention, and meaningful action begins with caring.
We look forward to welcoming our Franschhoek audience back in July, when Dr Christina Hagen will join us to discuss penguin conservation in South Africa. Please note that there will be no Franschhoek talk in June.