Climate Action Simulation
Group Role-Play Game with En-ROADS
The Climate Action Simulation is a highly interactive, role-playing game. It uses the En-ROADS simulation model to engage a wide range of participants in exploring key technology and policy solutions for addressing global warming. The game is conducted as a simulated emergency climate summit organized by the United Nations that convenes global stakeholders to establish a concrete plan that limits warming to Paris Agreement goals. 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.
A recent publication by Dr. Rooney-Varga of UMass Lowell shows that taking part in the Climate Action Simulation improves participants’ knowledge on 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.
Alternatively, the En-ROADS Climate Workshop can be used to achieve similar outcomes without the role-play game experience. An earlier version of this game was known as the World Energy Simulation.
FEATURES OF THE GAME
- The facilitator(s) acts as the UN Secretary-General who has convened the summit.
- Participants are divided into teams that represent different global stakeholders of business, government, and civil society who can drive climate solutions: Clean Tech, Conventional Energy, Industry & Commerce, World Governments, and Climate Justice Hawks. You may choose to change your groups based on your audience.
- The game is run in rounds. Once teams have brainstormed their game strategies, each team is invited to propose a climate solution to be implemented.
- These actions are analyzed in real-time with the En-ROADS simulator to determine their effects on the climate.
- The game is played until a scenario under 2°C warming is reached or time is up.
- The game is ideal for groups of 20-50 people. It is designed to be played by a wide range of audiences, from high school students and community members to industry professionals and policymakers.
- The game normally runs for 2-4 hours.
Learn How to Lead It
Join our trainings to learn how to facilitate the Climate Action Simulation.
Game Materials
Everything you’ll need to run the Climate Action Simulation:
Looking for a student homework or in-class assignment? We’ve developed this student activity, which guides students in creating an En-ROADS scenario and reflecting on the implications of their decisions. This is an individual computer assignment, and it can be used in addition to the game or as a separate activity.
Share Your Event
Are you or a colleague running the En-ROADS Climate Action Simulation? Advertising your event can help attract more participants, and also inspire others to lead their own simulation game. The following materials can help you spread the word about your upcoming event:
Find a Facilitator
Do you have a specific audience who you believe could greatly benefit from experiencing the Climate Action Simulation, but aren’t able to facilitate yourself? Explore our En-ROADS community forums to connect to a facilitator in your area. If you still aren’t having luck, feel free to reach out to us – our team might be able to connect you to an experienced facilitator to run your game.
Register Your Event
Have you run a Climate Action Simulation event or have one planned? Great! Make sure to register your event below. Registering your event allows us to keep track of who is running the game around the world.
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