Data exploitation and visualization in the classroom. The case of CLIMADEMY's video game

The great importance of educating the next generation of citizens in climate change drivers, impacts as well as mitigation and adaptation measures has been highlighted by many international entities like the IPCC and the European Union. Additionally, many research groups have indicated the importance of incorporating real world data in teaching about climate change. This can take the form of educational tools that are aimed at data exploitation and visualization. One initiative exploring the creation of such tools is the Erasmus + project CLIMADEMY. In CLIMADEMY a video game was developed in the Unity engine which implemented real world data (from the NOAA database) for three greenhouse gasses concentrations (CH₄, CO₂, N₂O) as well as the concentrations of scattering and absorbing aerosols. The video game’s primary function is to calculate the planet’s average temperature by 2100 based on the radiative forcing equations of the IPCC and the five aforementioned parameters. Additionally, the game is able to process which RCP scenario the word will be in based on these five parameters. The game is highly interactive, with students able to choose if these parameters will be based on an established database or if they want to explore other RCP scenarios. Furthermore, the game allows students to input custom values for CH₄, CO₂, N₂O and aerosols in order to observe the average temperature of the planet in 2100 as well as the RCP scenario these values lead to. Τhe open source approach, gives students the chance to modify the game and include further features according to the specific educational needs. Finally, the educational value of this game is complemented by its user interface which, due to Unity’s capabilities as an engine, has vibrant colors and themes making the game aesthetically pleasing and interesting.