games
A climate-themed version of Catan sparks new conversations
A new version of the popular board game Catan, called New Energies, aims to make discussing climate change more engaging by incorporating elements of renewable energy and fossil fuels.
In short:
- New Energies, released in June, is the latest addition to the Catan series, focusing on balancing renewable energy and fossil fuels.
- Players can win by collecting 10 points through fossil fuels or green energy, or by having the lowest carbon footprint if pollution maxes out.
- The game seeks to normalize renewable technologies and remove controversy around climate change discussions.
Key quote:
“It’s experimenting with them in a safe environment, and having this sort of social contract with other people to discuss and reflect together.”
— Daniel Fernández Galeote, gamification researcher and playbook contributor
Why this matters:
Engaging people in conversations about climate change through fun and interactive mediums like board games can bridge the gap between awareness and action, encouraging more sustainable behaviors.
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