Abstract for: Climate Action Simulation and En-ROADS Training

Simulation-based role-play with the global climate-energy model En-ROADS for policymakers and educators. The climate and energy systems are tightly coupled and driven by multiple feedback processes, accumulations, time delays, and nonlinearities. However, research shows poor understanding of these processes is widespread, even among highly educated people with technical backgrounds. Climate Interactive, MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative, UMass Lowell Climate Change Initiative, and ESB Business School respond by offering the “Climate Action Simulation,” a simulation-based role-play exercise that helps a wide range of people explore and test policy and investment scenarios that allow them to reach their climate goals. With a focus on the mix of solutions that will lead to a more stable climate, this simulation can inspire hope that is grounded in our best understanding of the dynamics of the energy and climate systems. Participants will learn to lead the workshop effectively.