Educational games
These educational games are aimed at young people over 15 years of age. They include entertainment and interactive content to facilitate understanding of the impacts of climate change on communities and ecosystems, as well as various measures to adapt to climate change and to strengthen resilience.
A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE
Climate change is already reshaping our daily lives and influencing how we envision the future. Researchers have outlined various future scenarios, yet these largely depend on our present-day decisions—particularly the ambition and pace of the green transition, and the values we choose to uphold and pass on to future generations. As ecosystems and societies evolve rapidly, it is essential to accelerate systemic changes that will guide us toward more sustainable ways of living.
Future generations may imagine the world differently than we do today. Therefore, it is crucial to engage young people in discussions about sustainable development and the future we aspire to create.
Our sustainable future is intrinsically linked to the responsible use of natural resources, the preservation and restoration of ecosystems, and a green transition that transforms both society and the economy. Addressing and adapting to climate change are also key objectives of sustainable development. While there are multiple pathways to overcoming environmental and climate challenges, all are rooted in systemic change. Without such transformation, both our security and the survival of ecosystems are at risk. In some regions, the reliable supply of food, drinking water, and other natural resources is already under threat, exacerbating geopolitical instability and contributing to large-scale migration.
It is vital that we collectively explore how our relationship with nature can evolve so that humanity may live in harmony with the natural world—where animals, plants, and other species are properly protected, and human activity no longer drives climate change or environmental degradation. Achieving sustainability and prosperity will require significant changes to our lifestyles and our connection with nature. Education must also be reimagined to foster the knowledge and skills needed for a sustainable future.
Although adapting to new conditions is challenging, it is increasingly necessary, as the risks of inaction are already evident. Concern over extreme weather events and other climate-related impacts is a powerful motivator, driving societal willingness to accelerate efforts to address climate challenges. We are increasingly envisioning a future that aligns with planetary boundaries, sustainable development, and green technologies. But do we all imagine this future in the same way? Are our visions realistic, utopian, or dystopian?
With these considerations in mind, we have developed an educational activity designed to help participants explore diverse visions of the future. These can be categorized as follows:
Expected future: What is likely to happen based on current trends and events, following the principle of “business as usual,” with no significant action or systemic change.
Alternative futures: Scenarios that may unfold differently from our expectations, based on innovative green technologies and other solutions that may not yet exist.
Preferred future: The future we envision and strive for—a sustainable future supported by concrete steps and measures already being implemented today, such as ecosystem restoration and urban greening.
Through future literacy, we can anticipate, prepare for, and develop new solutions in response to global environmental and climate change. Scientists, artists, and thinkers have long emphasized that the choices we make today shape the future we create.
THE ECOSMARTY GAME
EcoSmarty grew up in a small coastal town, where he witnessed first-hand the impacts of climate change, pollution, and urbanization on the natural environment. Determined to make a difference, he chose to stand up against these threats. His mission is to unite people in the effort to protect nature, mitigate climate change, and adapt to its consequences.
His adversaries are polluters and those who harm the environment. EcoSmarty must overcome the obstacles and traps they set in order to safeguard nature and humanity. He is equipped with special abilities: the power to restore ecosystems, communicate with both nature and people, and educate others about sustainable living and the importance of environmental protection.
The approaching disaster is symbolized by dark storm clouds and rising sea levels. The team has only 15 minutes to complete the mission, and incorrect decisions may reduce this time even further. As team members, you can rely on EcoSmarty’s guidance—but beware: wrong answers will send you back to the beginning of the game.
EcoSmarty faces a critical mission—and you are invited to join his rescue team. This team is tasked with saving ecosystems and communities from the escalating impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. Their goal is to find solutions and prevent a looming disaster before time runs out. However, opponents attempt to hinder their progress by setting traps in the form of puzzles that must be solved.
If the team successfully solves all the challenges, they will be awarded the EcoSmarty Hero certificate, recognizing their commitment to restoring nature and adapting to climate change—even beyond the game, in the real world.
EcoSmarty represents the hope and strength of the individual in the fight for a better future. His story reminds us that each of us can contribute to protecting the environment, and that even small actions can lead to meaningful change toward a sustainable world.