It’s hard to believe that just a year ago, Elise van Breda and I facilitated our very first Climate Fresk workshop. A few months later, we picked up the Planetary Boundaries Fresco, and it’s been a rollercoaster ever since.
Last week, we kicked off the year with another planetary boundaries workshop – and it left us absolutely buzzing. Not because it was stressful or chaotic (we’ve had our fair share of those!), but because it was so energising that neither of us could sleep afterwards.
This time, we gathered with seven high-spirited, talkative, and knowledgeable participants to test some of the workshop improvements we’ve been working on. Their energy and engagement made it clear: workshops like these aren’t just informative – they’re transformative, for both the participants and us as facilitators.
What intrigues us most is how these sessions not only inspire meaningful action and foster a shared commitment to protecting our planet but also teach us as facilitators, challenge our perspectives, and deepen our understanding of how to drive systemic change – and that’s what keeps us going.
When we started this journey at COP28, we didn’t know where it would lead. We just knew we wanted to experiment with tools and techniques to help people not only understand the challenges humanity faces but feel empowered to act. We also wanted to become more comfortable with public speaking and communicating science in a simple, accessible way – and the only way to do that was by doing it. Fast forward to today, and what started as an experiment has turned into something much bigger:
⭐ Over 50 workshops facilitated, reaching 600+ people internationally – from classrooms to boardrooms.
⭐ A deeper understanding of how to create safe spaces for collaboration, curiosity, and connection – key ingredients for positive societal transformation.
⭐ A growing community of individuals empowered to take action and protect our shared home.
Facilitating these workshops – especially online – isn’t always easy. Tech issues, the lack of non-verbal cues, and no movement or snacks on the table to keep you going can make it tricky. But online sessions also open doors:
⭐ They connect us with people around the world, from cities to remote areas.
⭐ They allow us to hear perspectives and lived experiences we’d never encounter otherwise.
⭐ They make workshops accessible to those who might not have the opportunity to attend in person.
Most of these sessions are run voluntarily, with small fees supporting the development of tools and resources that are free for everyone to use. Tailored sessions for organisations and events make it possible for us to continue offering others for free, making these workshops even more accessible globally.
Looking back on last year, these workshops have taken us to exciting places, connected us with hundreds of inspiring people, and taught us so much. They’ve sparked meaningful conversations across sectors, empowering participants to think critically about sustainability and collective action.
If you’re curious about Climate or Planetary Boundaries workshops – or want to explore how you can be part of this journey – reach out. We’d love to have you join one of our sessions or simply start a conversation.