Germany
Annette Kern
English
The "Climate Adaptation Under Uncertainty" Activity in Action
At the heart of climate education lies the challenge of preparing learners to navigate uncertainty and make informed decisions. The “Climate Adaptation Under Uncertainty” activity, first introduced at the Climate Education Summer University (CESU), exemplifies this challenge through an engaging and adaptable approach. This activity is an adaptation of the Red Cross “Decisions for the Decade” activity.
This innovative activity simulates decision-making under risk conditions, enabling participants to experience the complexities of climate adaptation planning. Annette has adapted and applied this activity in diverse settings, enriching its impact and relevance.
Innovative Adaptations
The activity has been implemented in several variations:
- In-person Sessions: Teacher training students engaged in dynamic group discussions, with modifications such as varied initial endowments for countries to reflect real-world disparities between nations. This addition sparked emotional and reflective responses, highlighting the activity’s power to provoke deeper understanding of global equity in climate challenges.
- Virtual Sessions: Adapting to online teaching, the activity was transformed into a digital format using Google Sheets. Virtual dice rolls determined extreme weather events, and innovative mechanics for the third decade introduced additional layers of uncertainty.
Student Reflections and Impact
Participants praised the activity for its interactive nature and realism. The introduction of economic disparities added depth to discussions, emphasizing the unequal impacts of climate change and the importance of collaboration. The virtual adaptation proved successful in engaging international groups, showcasing the activity’s versatility in various learning environments.
A Resource for Educators
This activity is now accessible for educators looking to integrate it into their curriculum. Whether in-person or online, the flexibility of “Climate Adaptation Under Uncertainty” makes it a valuable tool for fostering critical thinking and global awareness.
👉 Explore the digital version and adapt it for your classroom!
Access the Google Sheets template here.
By experimenting with this activity and sharing your experiences, you contribute to a growing network of educators dedicated to empowering the next generation to address the climate crisis with creativity and resilience.
