The I-CHANGE project is engaging communities with its Serious Game "Our Climate Story."
As educators and community leaders, you’re always looking for novel, dynamic ways to engage people in pressing issues like climate change – without turning them off or overwhelming them.
Enter “Our Climate Story,” an innovative serious game designed by the I-CHANGE project.
Climate change is a biiiiig topic, and it can be hard for people to see how they can make a difference at local level. Serious games like the I-CHANGE “Our Climate Story” provide a way to engage them, raise awareness of individual impacts and drive behavioural change while having fun.
It’s a powerful educational tool for sparking conversations and collaboration, critical thinking and debate.
Best of all, it's free and available to download online. All you need is a printer, paper, pen and scissors.
Let’s take a look at how–and why–it works.
Create your own climate story
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What is the "Our Climate Story" game about?
The I-CHANGE “Our Climate Story” is more than just a game—it's an interactive learning experience tailored for players aged 10 and up. Designed for 2 to 5 players, it takes participants on a journey through their community, where they’ll tackle real-world environmental challenges. The aim? To understand the importance of sustainable practices and collaborative solutions in reducing emissions and managing climate-related hazards.
Players navigate their city, implement green solutions, and manage resources to prevent CO2 levels from reaching critical points. By blending storytelling with strategy, the game empowers players to explore their daily behaviors and understand how small changes can have a big impact on their environment.
Doesn’t that sound like a great way to learn?
How it works
The game begins with players creating a map of their community, identifying local hazards like floods, pollution, and heatwaves. They’re encouraged to think about potential solutions, which sets the stage for meaningful discussions about their environment.
Each player chooses a mode of transportation—whether walking, cycling, or using public transport—and learns about the direct consequences of their choices on CO2 emissions. This is where the real magic happens; as players work together, they not only navigate the challenges of daily life but also collaborate on solutions to protect their community.
Why it matters
Bringing climate change home
Climate change can often feel like an abstract issue, distant and overwhelming. Even the most engaged of us can end up feeling like there’s nothing we can do. “Our Climate Story” grounds this complex topic in local realities, making the challenges relatable and immediate. By allowing players to craft a climate narrative specific to their community, the game highlights unique environmental issues and inspires participants to take action.
One of the key messages behind “Our Climate Story” is that climate change is not a distant or abstract issue, but it is deeply rooted in place. The game allows players to create a climate narrative specific to their own community, highlighting the unique environmental challenges they face and helping to bring the message home.
Finding a balance
When it comes to protecting the environment, it often seems like we have to choose between that and our personal needs or comfort. Our Climate Story forces players to navigate the challenges of daily life while balancing personal objectives with protecting the environment for the good of everyone.
By learning to manage resources, players gain insights into the complexities of climate action, and how to prioritise sustainable solutions for their community.
The power of individual actions for collective benefit
The game’s educational value lies in prompting players to reflect on their daily actions and consider how small changes can lead to significant impacts. The idea is to motivate them to adopt more sustainable practices in their lives—like using public transportation, reducing waste, and supporting local green initiatives.
Sparking discussion
For educators and community organizations, “Our Climate Story” provides a fantastic platform to stimulate debate around climate change. The game includes instructions for facilitators, ensuring that discussions are impactful and engaging. Players can share personal stories about their environmental experiences, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Think globally, play locally: Join the I-CHANGE movement to drive behavioural change
If you’re looking for a way to bring climate education into your classroom or community, consider “Our Climate Story.” This engaging game not only teaches valuable lessons about sustainability but also empowers participants to think critically about their role in combating climate change.
Ready to make a difference?
Download the game
Disclaimer
Created with funding from the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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