Gamification of global climate change: an experimental analysis

Abstract

Abstract The global climate system poses important challenges for the perception and understanding of its functioning from policymakers and the general public. The aim of the paper is to model through gamification, the evolution of understanding regarding the dynamics of climate change and climate change adaptation. Using a framework with repeated feedback loops, the impact of the rate of carbon dioxide absorption by natural ecosystems, the stochastic nature of economic systems and the stochastic and irreversible nature of global climate are analyzed, with the Dynamic Climate Change Simulator with Stochastic and Irreversible Climate Change. The simulator game models one control variable, carbon dioxide emissions and one stock variable, carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere. In addition, the rate of carbon dioxide absorption by natural ecosystems is modeled, with business cycle shocks and climate change tipping points. The ability to control carbon dioxide concentrations to a goal level is evaluated and policy insights are provided about how learning about the dynamics of the Earth’s climate through gamification can be advanced.