Students Dive Into Climate Action with the Climate Survivors Game
On May 19 and 20, 2025, students from HTL Mödling, the largest secondary technical school in Austria, took part in an engaging and educational workshop hosted by CHOICE partner IIASA (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis). The two-day session invited students into the world of climate systems science and science communication, using game development as a tool for exploration and creativity.
From Science to Strategy: A New Approach to Climate Education
Led by researcher Jan Steinhauser, the workshop offered students a unique opportunity to engage with climate systems science in a hands-on and creative way. It focused on understanding the fundamentals of climate dynamics, exploring communication strategies, and empowering students to design their own game concepts as tools for climate engagement.
As part of the session, Climate Survivors, a fast-paced “bullet heaven” survival game developed within the CHOICE project, was introduced as an example of how games can be used to communicate complex climate science. The game will integrate data from CHOICE’s Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs), such as GLOBIOM and FELIX, allowing players to experience how everyday decisions impact carbon emissions and global heating. By embedding scientific content into accessible, fast-paced gameplay, Climate Survivors demonstrates the power of digital tools to engage new audiences.
Unlike conventional educational games, Climate Survivors captures attention through dynamic mechanics and high-stakes challenges, while subtly conveying systems thinking and sustainability concepts. For the HTL Mödling students, it served as inspiration, highlighting the potential of games not just for entertainment, but also for meaningful climate communication.
From the Classroom to the Climate Conversation
The workshop offered more than just a learning experience; it provided a platform for students to actively contribute to the climate dialogue. Through hands-on design work and reflection, they explored how storytelling, gameplay, and behavioural insights can combine to influence real-world choices. This participatory method aligns with CHOICE’s wider mission to embed behavioural change and actor heterogeneity into climate mitigation pathways using innovative, inclusive tools.
As Climate Survivors continues to evolve, it remains a key part of CHOICE’s digital engagement strategy. Feedback and enthusiasm from activities like the HTL Mödling session inform ongoing development, ensuring the game stays relevant, impactful, while being scientifically grounded.
Learn more about the workshop at: https://iiasa.ac.at/
Stay connected with CHOICE as we continue to explore the intersection of immersive technology, scientific modelling, and behavioural transformation.
