New Study: Interactive Simulations Drive Real-World Action
By
Climate Interactive
October 22, 2025
A new study published in Nature’s Communications Earth & Environment shows that the Climate Action Simulation role-playing game, powered by the En-ROADS Simulator, not only teaches participants about high-impact climate solutions but also results in real-world climate action.
Drawing on data from over 1,200 participants, the study offers compelling evidence that interactive simulations can deepen understanding, boost engagement, and drive meaningful climate action.
Key findings:
- Many participants took climate actions in the real world that they attributed to their simulation experience, with impacts lasting months after the experience.
- Participants improved their understanding of high-impact actions that mitigate climate change.
- Participants with different sociodemographic traits and sociopolitical values showed consistent results.
- The simulation’s accessibility and adaptability make it a scalable tool for fostering informed, evidence-based climate action.
Building on these findings, Climate Interactive is committed to scaling our interactive simulations to reach more decision-makers and communities worldwide.
With every session, participants gain the knowledge and motivation to act, moving us closer to a thriving world where greenhouse gas emissions are falling rapidly.
We are grateful to the team behind this research, including our Executive Director, Andrew Jones, and collaborators:
- Juliette N. Rooney-Varga, University of Massachusetts Lowell Climate Change Initiative
- Rachel L. Coleman, University of Massachusetts Lowell Climate Change Initiative
- Florian Kapmeier, ESB Business School, Reutlingen University
- Peyton Newsome, University of Massachusetts Lowell Climate Change Initiative
- Krystal Noiseux, MIT Climate Policy Center, MIT Sloan School of Management
- Bethany Patten, MIT Climate Policy Center, MIT Sloan School of Management
- Kenneth Rath, Rath Educational Evaluation and Research
- John D. Sterman, System Dynamics Group and MIT Sustainability Initiative, MIT Sloan School of Management
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