World Climate is a group role-playing simulation of the International Climate Change Negotiations. This exercise provides participants the chance to explore the risks of climate change and the challenges of negotiating international agreements to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The simulation which was held in UniLag had a face-to-face setting where participants played negotiators representing countries and regional blocs that work to create an agreement that limits climate change by reducing GHG emissions. Proposals are tested using a climate policy simulation model that provides participants science-based feedback on the implications of their proposals for atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, global mean surface temperature, sea-level rise, and other impacts.
Each delegation set its own fossil fuel emissions targets: in what year will emissions of heat- trapping gasses in their country stop growing? In what year will their emissions begin to decline and at what rate( % per year)? The general aim was to keep the temperature below 2°C.
The participants were engaged deeply both in analytical and quantitative thinking (e.g. negotiating, calculating, strategizing). Using C-ROADS simulation, the participants’ pledges were inputted by Dr. Travis Franck of MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change. The results showed that the climate change goals were not met; proving that drastic measures had to be taken to ensure that there is a decline in emissions and climate change is halted. Dr. Travis went ahead to explain sea level rise, by draping participants with a blue tarp to show that countries subsequently disappear one after the other if sea level continues to rise.
Dr. Grace Mwaura, played the role of the UN Secretary General and the facilitator. She helped to kindle interest about climate change which generated a lot of questions. Her explanation of the bathtub analogy was quite insightful. She used it to teach the dynamics of the carbon and climate system.
World Climate enabled participants to explore the dynamics of the climate and impacts of proposed policies in a way that was relatable. By the end of the Simulation, participants were able to learn about climate science and climate policy interactively. They were also able to understand the dynamics of climate change as it relates to economic development and international affairs. An added bonus was the opportunity for participants to develop their skills in negotiation, presentation, and policy evaluation.
On the 21st of September was the World Climate Simulation Training, participants were trained on how to become facilitators, with a focus on facilitating or guiding rather than lecturing. Participants were also encouraged to plan World Climate Simulation in their various communities.
Sustyvibes was well represented by Susan Ikegwu and I.
