A board game for interdisciplinary training and dialogue

The paper reports on the design and educational use of a board game on climate change which covers central bio-physical, economic and political aspects of the issue. By using a board game as common language between students and scientists from different scientific cultures, knowledge of different disciplines can be integrated and different views can be discussed. Familiarity with a particular jargon is not needed, but can develop through playing and debriefing the game. Already in the game design phase scientists from climatology, economy, political science and modelling as well as integration experts were involved. It includes (i) a simple climate module accounting for greenhouse gases, global mean temperature and climate impacts, (ii) an economic growth and innovation module which allows switching between energy technologies, and (iii) a political network with international coalitions and trans-national actors. Thus, even complex issues as the free rider problem, trade-offs between adaptation and mitigation of climate change and pathdependencies can be studied. The game is called KEEP COOL and is readily available for educational use from a publisher. The experience with the game indicates that it can be effectively used in training seminars with students. This contribution also shows some pitfalls and essential instruments for its adequate use