Virtual World Meets Climate Change

Picture a beautiful utopian, environmentally friendly city, full of luscious rooftop gardens, multi-story farms full of fruits and veggies, sail-shaped constructions that suck carbon dioxide out of the air, and hydrogen powered boats that glide across crystal clear waters. This is futuristic city encapsulating all our dreams that can only be satiated (so far) by Climate Hope City– and for now, it exists only in Minecraft. “Despite climate change being the biggest story of our age, journalism has largely failed to get to grips with it,” says the Guardian’s assistant national news editor, James Randerson . “In our mission to tell this story differently and reach new audiences, we have enlisted the help of artists, poets, comedians and composers. Now we’re harnessing the creativity of some talented Minecraft designers to imagine a future low carbon city – and crucially one that is not far out of reach.” This is just one example of how gaming has begun to get people (especially from the younger generation) to think about climate change and solutions. At Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day last April, Rovio entertainment, in cooperation with the Earth Day Network, made their commitment to the environment by announcing the creation of a climate change game, Angry Birds’ “Champions for Earth,” which will be released during UN Environment Week in September.  They will also announce a seven-day tournament aimed to engage millions of people around the globe during this discussion in September. Rovio and EDN share common goals with regard to the fight against climate change and the preservation of biodiversity worldwide, and aim to further these goals by raising awareness in innovative ways and on an unprecedented scale. “It is a real privilege to work with Earth Day Network on an Angry Birds gaming experience to raise awareness of climate change.” Said Patrick Liu, Rovio Creative Director. This is just the tip of the iceberg—blending the line between natural and virtual world is the future of subliminal messaging. Creating an environmental atmosphere for youth will hopefully spark an interest or strengthen current environmental beliefs and help contribute to overarching theme of a sustainable earth.   Elli Sloan, Intern