The Game
What is the
World Climate Game?
What is the World Climate Game?
The World Climate Game is an interactive, scientifically based simulation game about the future of our world. On an oversized game board and with the help of digital simulation, participants shape global society up to the year 2100. In the process, they take on different roles and make decisions that have a direct impact on the climate, the economy, and social developments. The game was developed by Weitblick GmbH together with experts from climate science, pedagogy, and psychology. It is based on IPCC reports and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The World Climate Game is an interactive, scientifically based simulation game about the future of our world. On an oversized game board and with the help of digital simulation, participants shape global society up to the year 2100. Participants take on different roles within global society and make decisions that have a direct impact on the climate, the economy, and social development. The game was developed by Weitblick GmbH together with experts from climate science, pedagogy, and psychology. It is based on IPCC reports and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Why do we need the World Climate Game?
The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time and demonstrates how closely the environment, economy, and society are interlinked. At the same time, polarization and simplified representations of complex issues are increasing, making collective solutions more difficult. Young people in particular feel these tensions and often feel powerless in the face of global problems.
The World Climate Game addresses exactly this: it shows participants the consequences of their decisions, offers options for action, and illustrates the necessity of cooperation for positive change.
A large game board
as a model of our world
The game board, with over 1,000 game pieces, visualizes ecosystems, raw materials, infrastructure, greenhouse gases, living standards, climate zones, etc., making developments visible and tangible. Changes such as rising emissions or economic developments are represented on the playing field.
Complemented by real-time digital simulation
After each round of play, the simulation (based on scientific models) calculates the effects of the decisions made and shows the impact on climate, economy, population, resources, and ecosystems. This immediate feedback makes complex global interconnections visible and experiential.
How the World Climate Game works
The game consists of 10 rounds, each representing a decade. In each round, new challenges arise, such as extreme weather events, social conflicts, or technological breakthroughs. When dealing with these challenges, the teams must keep several goals in mind:
- stabilizing the climate
- enabling economic development
- strengthening social justice
This multi-dimensionality makes it clear that sustainable solutions must always consider ecological, economic, and social aspects together.
In the game, participants take on the roles of global decision-makers and actors from politics, business, and civil society. In these roles, they make joint decisions that influence the future of the world. These include, for example:
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Negotiating international climate agreements
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Shaping a livable and sustainable future
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Becoming part of the solution
- Passing laws and political measures
- Making investments in infrastructure, technology, and energy
- Distributing resources and developing economic strategies
- Reacting to crises and developing long-term strategies
The special feature of the World Climate Game is its experience-based form of learning. Participants do not just learn about climate change and global systems – they experience the dynamics themselves:
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how difficult international negotiations can be
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how problems can be solved through cooperation
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how team spirit and a sense of community can emerge
- how different interests collide
- how complex political decisions are
- how strongly decisions are interconnected
This creates a comprehensive learning process that goes beyond the mere transfer of knowledge.
The World Climate Game creates a space in which (young) people can learn to:
Understand complex interconnections
Adopt different perspectives
Develop solutions together
Take responsibility for the future
Would you like to get to know the World Climate Game better?
In a brief conversation, find out about opportunities for when and where you can try the World Climate Game yourself and how it could be implemented in your field of work.
