Pupils from Trafalgar School, Admiral Lord Nelson School and Springfield School and University of Portsmouth students joined councillors and council officers for a role-playing world climate simulation “game” that resembled the negotiations being undertaken as part of COP27
The aim of the game was to negotiate between developed and developing countries on how the countries would work together to limited global warming to 2°C, which is the upper limit agreed through the Paris Agreement.
This game has been run in 140 countries, and this is the first time this has been held in Hampshire and the wider Solent region.
Participants were split into three groups, representing country-blocs, and act as their negotiators. The “developed” country group represented some of the richest and biggest contributors of carbon emissions; “developing A” country group represented countries that are rapidly industrialising and growing, and “developing B” country group were some of the poorest nations and most vulnerable to climate change.
During each round of negotiation, the groups’ climate pledges were entered into a live climate model to determine the impact on global temperatures in the year 2100.
The groups agreed targets around reducing their emissions, how much effort they would put in to preventing deforestation and undertaking afforestation (planting trees), as well as deciding how much money the developed countries needed to fund to ensure this action.
Cllr Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said of the event:
“It was so great to see this group from all walks of life come together for this game and see our future leaders step into the roles of global politics and climate science. We have some fantastic talent in Portsmouth who are passionate about climate action. Despite it being a game, everyone got really into character and were hard negotiators! Together, we managed to reach the maximum two-degrees target with the pledges made by each group.
The game really drove home some hard truths about the commitment and work it would take for all – globally, nationally, and locally – to change the path we’re on. We all can play a part in keeping the world cool – be it through planting, cutting down your carbon emissions, and making greener choices where you can.”
Cllr Lynne Stagg, Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation, Cllr Steve Pitt, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Economic Development, Cllr Suzy Horton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, the Lord Mayor Cllr Hugh Mason and the Lady Mayoress were in also in attendance at the event held on 16 November, during COP27, at Portsmouth Guildhall.
The World Climate Simulation was developed by Climate Interactive, the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative, and the UMass Lowell Climate Change Initiative.
It’s time to act
Portsmouth City Council supports COP27’s “Together for implementation” aim to accelerate global climate action through delivering local initiatives. We are investing in our climate change response to make the city a cleaner, greener, and safer place to live. This event was part of our goal by providing knowledge and addressing our local challenges.
Anyone interested in receiving news on the council’s plans to tackle climate change, funding opportunities, and how you can get involved can sign up to receive email updates by going to portsmouth.gov.uk/climateaction