Young people steer a mock climate summit, endeavoring to secure a sustainable tomorrow
In a unique and engaging learning experience, students from the 10th grade and above recently participated in a UN climate conference simulation organised by the city of Ingolstadt, the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, and the Audi Foundation for Environment. The event, which took place in an undisclosed location, was not part of an official UN conference but aimed to engage students in discussions about climate change.
Mayor Petra Kleine highlighted the purpose of the simulation, stating, "Our goal is to create awareness that goes beyond facts and figures and to show the importance of acting now." The Great Hall of the New Town Hall served as the stage for this ambitious endeavour, where students negotiated as delegates of various country groups, addressing concrete measures against global warming and worldwide climate goals.
The response from the students was impressive, with a seriousness and creativity that marked their approach to the goal of limiting global warming to a maximum of 1.5 degrees by the year 2100. The simulation also included discussions about international justice, demonstrating the students' willingness to grapple with complex and interconnected issues.
The organisers drew a completely positive conclusion from the simulation, considering it pedagogically valuable. The simulation was a testament to the power of experiential learning, a method that simplifies complex scientific concepts into accessible, bite-sized experiences. This approach not only enhances critical thinking but also actively involves students in the learning process, increasing motivation and retention compared to traditional lecture formats.
Role-playing games and interactive resources, such as the "Green Warriors" programme in Manipur, India, and Tencent's "Carbon Island," have been found to be effective in climate education. These games make complex issues tangible through experiential learning, helping improve understanding of climate change impacts and decision-making trade-offs.
In the "Green Warriors" example, children assumed roles related to a proposed mall construction, allowing them to actively explore and debate the environmental and socioeconomic consequences. Similarly, "Carbon Island" engages players in managing carbon emissions within a simulated urban environment, promoting pro-environmental attitudes through immersive, strategic play.
Educational resources like the “Supertroupers” comics and the “Be a climate hero” quiz also complement role-playing by debunking misconceptions and reinforcing scientific understanding through engaging narrative and interactive formats. These tools encourage critical thinking, empathy for environmental issues, and empowerment to act on climate challenges.
In summary, role-playing games and interactive resources significantly contribute to student engagement and deepen their understanding of global warming by combining experiential learning, storytelling, and problem-solving in relatable contexts. This approach encourages critical thinking, empathy for environmental issues, and empowerment to act on climate challenges.
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