Climate change can feel overwhelming. It’s a vast, complicated issue that can leave us unsure of how to act or even talk about it meaningfully. Yet, new research shows that playful, creative methods can help bridge the gap, making complex issues easier to discuss and understand.
Researchers at Swansea University recently explored how creating tabletop games could help geography students better understand and communicate about climate change. Their work involved a five-day residential field trip to the Isles of Scilly, located off the southwest coast of the UK. These islands face direct impacts from climate change, including sea-level rise, increased storminess, freshwater contamination, and habitat loss.
During their field trip, students participated in tours, talks, and activities focused on local climate impacts and solutions. Afterwards, they worked in teams to create tabletop games aimed at helping players from different generations understand and discuss climate change issues specific to the Isles of Scilly.
Students designed three board games: “Impacts and Mitigations,” “Project Scilly,” and “Guardians of Scilly.” These games incorporated real-life issues, local anecdotes, and humorous touches, making them both educational and enjoyable. For example, one game humorously asked players how cows reach the islands—by snorkelling, airlift, or ferry? (The correct answer is ferry!).
This creative approach had several key benefits. It encouraged students to consolidate their knowledge from the trip and their additional research, promoting critical thinking. Students found that designing games required a deeper understanding of the issues, as they had to communicate clearly and effectively to people of different ages and knowledge levels.
Creating and playing these games also fostered valuable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. Students particularly enjoyed the hands-on, collaborative nature of game creation, which differed significantly from typical university assignments. Working physically together rather than online seemed to enhance their creativity and engagement.
Importantly, students felt that discussing climate change through gameplay opened opportunities for meaningful intergenerational dialogue. Older and younger players could engage with complex climate topics in an approachable way, highlighting the power of play to build understanding across age groups. The game was assessed using the GAMEACE rubric:
Despite these successes, researchers noted that game-based methods require careful planning, clear goals, and sensitivity, especially since climate change is not a game for communities facing its direct impacts. Nonetheless, playful, creative activities like these tabletop games offer valuable educational opportunities for exploring tough issues.
Ultimately, by combining creativity, collaboration, and clear communication, these games show us a powerful way to foster conversations about climate change, helping to build a better-informed and more connected community ready to tackle the challenges ahead.