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The Climate Action Simulation

Author

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  • Juliette N. Rooney-Varga
  • Florian Kapmeier
  • John D. Sterman
  • Andrew P. Jones
  • Michele Putko
  • Kenneth Rath

Abstract

Background. We describe and provide an initial evaluation of the Climate Action Simulation , a simulation-based role-playing game that enables participants to learn for themselves about the response of the climate-energy system to potential policies and actions . Participants gain an understanding of the scale and urgency of climate action, the impact of different policies and actions, and the dynamics and interactions of different policy choices. Intervention. The Climate Action Simulation combines an interactive computer model, En-ROADS , with a role-play in which participants make decisions about energy and climate policy. They learn about the dynamics of the climate and energy systems as they discover how En-ROADS responds to their own climate-energy decisions. Methods. We evaluated learning outcomes from the Climate Action Simulation using pre- and post-simulation surveys as well as a focus group. Results. Analysis of survey results showed that the Climate Action Simulation increases participants’ knowledge about the scale of emissions reductions and policies and actions needed to address climate change. Their personal and emotional engagement with climate change also grew. Focus group participants were overwhelmingly positive about the Climate Action Simulation, saying it left them feeling empowered to make a positive difference in addressing the climate challenge. Discussion and Conclusions. Initial evaluation results indicate that the Climate Action Simulation offers an engaging experience that delivers gains in knowledge about the climate and energy systems, while also opening affective and social learning pathways.

Suggested Citation

  • Juliette N. Rooney-Varga & Florian Kapmeier & John D. Sterman & Andrew P. Jones & Michele Putko & Kenneth Rath, 2020. "The Climate Action Simulation," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 51(2), pages 114-140, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:simgam:v:51:y:2020:i:2:p:114-140
    DOI: 10.1177/1046878119890643
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    Cited by:

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    2. Mehdi Bensouda & Mimoun Benali, 2023. "From Fairly Good to Optimal Energy Efficiency Practices within the Moroccan Manufacturing Sector: Are Financial Resources Sufficient?," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 13(3), pages 478-488, May.
    3. Marta Roca‐Puigròs & Andreas Gerber & Markus Ulrich & Matthias Y. Reich & Daniel Beat Müller & Patrick Wäger, 2024. "Linking socio‐economic metabolism models and simulation games: Reflections on benefits and challenges," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 28(2), pages 182-193, April.
    4. Giovanni Cunico & Eirini Aivazidou & Edoardo Mollona, 2022. "System dynamics gamification: A proposal for shared principles," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(4), pages 723-733, July.
    5. Edward G. Anderson & David R. Keith & Jose Lopez, 2023. "Opportunities for system dynamics research in operations management for public policy," Production and Operations Management, Production and Operations Management Society, vol. 32(6), pages 1895-1920, June.
    6. Jeroen Struben, 2020. "The coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic: simulation‐based assessment of outbreak responses and postpeak strategies," System Dynamics Review, System Dynamics Society, vol. 36(3), pages 247-293, July.
    7. Udeke Huiskamp & Bauke ten Brinke & Gert Jan Kramer, 2022. "The climate resilience cycle: Using scenario analysis to inform climate‐resilient business strategies," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(4), pages 1763-1775, May.
    8. J. Tuomas Harviainen, 2020. "Real, Half-Real, Irreal, Unreal," Simulation & Gaming, , vol. 51(2), pages 111-113, April.
    9. Nici Zimmermann & Irene Pluchinotta & Giuseppe Salvia & Marianne Touchie & Helen Stopps & Ian Hamilton & Ted Kesik & Kaveh Dianati & Ting Chen, 2021. "Moving online: reflections from conducting system dynamics workshops in virtual settings," System Dynamics Review, System Dynamics Society, vol. 37(1), pages 59-71, January.

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