23.4.-25.4.2024 | Vienna - World Climate Game goes UNO City Vienna!

World Climate Game: Students take on the roles of governments, businesses, and civil society groups to save the environment

An inspiring and motivating atmosphere was felt in the premises of the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna as students from HTL Spengergasse, a technical vocational school, came to the UN headquarters in Vienna to play an interactive board game called 'World Climate Game'. Participants had the unique opportunity to understand the global consequences of climate change and explore different action options at various levels.

VIENNA, April 25, 2024 - Through the interactive World Climate Game developed by the Austrian company Weitblick GmbH, students took on the roles of governments, businesses, and NGOs to make decisions that impact our climate. The game promotes understanding of complex relationships and critical thinking skills that are necessary to save the future of our planet and environment.

Game facilitators and developers Matthias Mittelberger and Jerome Groger said that the game is a helpful tool to educate children about the climate crisis, its consequences, potential solutions, and the actors involved. They emphasized the unifying element of the game: "At the beginning, the students think they are playing against each other, but then they realize they have to play together to find a solution. So there is a transformation from selfishness to altruism, from competition to cooperation."

The World Climate Game gave students a unique opportunity to raise awareness of environmental issues. At the end of the three-day simulation, the goal of net-zero emissions was achieved, and students were proud of their accomplishments. One student said that she gained important insights through the game: "It became clear to me that we should not underestimate what can be achieved when all actors cooperate. With a unified approach, it is possible to stop climate change."

45 years ago, the Vienna International Centre - also known as the 'Vienna UN City' - was established. On the occasion of this anniversary, special focus is being placed on how we can ensure a better future together. Martin Nesirky, Director of UNIS Vienna, mentioned the great relevance of the participation and motivation of young people in this context.

The World Climate Game is a great initiative to raise awareness for a better future - thank you to all who participated.

Link reference: https://unis.unvienna.org/unis/en/events/2024/WorldClimateGame.html