Climate Action Simulation
What is the Climate Action Simulation?
The Climate Action Simulation is a highly interactive, role-playing game for groups to explore the different stakeholders and solutions that need to come together to take action on climate change. It is framed by the En-ROADS simulator, which allows participants to rapidly assess the impacts of different solutions to climate change—like energy supply subsidies, energy efficiency, or land use changes. The game is conducted as a simulated emergency climate summit organized by the United Nations to establish a concrete plan to limit global warming by bringing together government, business, and civil society representatives. This game is a fun format for large groups to explore climate change solutions and see what it would really take to address this global challenge. The Climate Action Simulation was co-developed by Climate Interactive, the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative, and the UMass Lowell Climate Change Initiative.
The Climate Action Simulation enables participants to gain insights into the factors that affect climate change and what the solutions and possible paths are for equitably and effectively addressing climate change and achieving the international climate goals. A recent publication by Dr. Rooney-Varga of UMass Lowell shows that taking part in the Climate Action Simulation improves participants’ knowledge of the actions needed to address climate change, boosts both personal and emotional engagement with climate issues, and leaves participants feeling empowered to address climate change.
How does it work?
The Climate Action Simulation game is a role-playing game premised on a fictitious climate summit organized by the United Nations Secretary-General to urgently address climate change. The game is run by a trained facilitator acting as the UN Secretary-General who has convened the summit, and who leads participants throughout the experience. Participants are divided into influential stakeholder groups who have convened at the summit, and their directive is to work together to create a plan to limit global warming to well below 2°C and aim for 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the international goals formally recognized in the Paris climate agreement.
The game can be run online or in-person, typically runs from 2-4 hours, and can accommodate groups of almost any size—although it is ideal for groups of 20-50 people. The Climate Action Simulation has been played by a wide range of audiences, from high school students and community members to industry professionals and policymakers. The materials, training, and the simulation are all free to use, and many resources are offered in several languages.
Leading the Game
Anyone with enough interest and dedication can learn to lead the Climate Action Simulation game. People of many ages, backgrounds, and expertises run the game in diverse environments – from Fortune 500 boardrooms to university classrooms.
You can learn how to run the Climate Action Simulation by taking part in the free online Mastering En-ROADS Training Program, or by exploring our game facilitation resources. Get started today!
We offer a variety of materials that support facilitation and organization of the Climate Action Simulation game—from training guides, to tutorial videos, to flyers to advertise your event. Our materials are:
- Free and open-access
- Adaptable to a wide range of audiences
- Complemented by our training program
- Offered in a variety of languages
- Accompanied by first-rate user support through our online help desk and comprehensive FAQ database
Find a Facilitator
Do you have a specific audience whom you believe could greatly benefit from experiencing the Climate Action Simulation, but aren’t able to facilitate it yourself? Invite your group to take part in one of our up-coming online events, or ask an En-ROADS Climate Ambassador to lead an event for you—either online or in-person.
If you are still unable to find what you need, or have a specific request, please feel free to contact us.
Register an Event
Have you run the game or have one planned? Great! Make sure to register your event below. Registering your event allows us to share future updates to the materials and connects you to our global community.
Explore Research & Media Coverage
Collaborators
