Climate Fresk: how this card game of cause-and-consequence clarifies the trickier aspects of climate science.

Introduction

Climate change is one of the most significant issues facing our planet today. It is important that we all take action to mitigate its effects and protect our planet. However, many people find it difficult to understand the complex science and policies surrounding climate change. That's where Climate Fresk comes in - a card game that makes learning about climate change—a topic poorly understood by the general population—interactive as well as informative.

What’s the story?

Cédric Ringenbach invented the game in 2015 and founded the Climate Fresk NGO in 2018 with the goal of raising awareness around environmental issues through participation in the workshops, as well as growing the movement (taking part in a game is the first step towards training and upskilling potential Climate Fresk facilitators). This, in turn, has led to a surge of global networks and communities brought together by the organisation, sharing and playing the game in many different contexts and settings. You can find Climate Fresk being played in schools, large corporations, and around the kitchen table.

As of mid-2023, there have been over 1,000,000 participants worldwide. The cards have been translated into 45 languages, and there are upwards of 48,000 facilitators. One of the reasons for its popularity is its accessibility; all that’s needed are some cards, some pens or pencils, and tables.

They aim to “create a network of people that is growing exponentially who can pass on this quality climate education in order to reach a social tipping point that will help guide us to a low carbon world”.

The organisation has a decentralised and participatory governance structure that was inspired by the Swedish Pirate Party, whose principles include do-ocracy, transparency, and the right to make mistakes.

How it works

Climate Fresk is a card game designed to educate players about the causes and effects of climate change, as well as the different ways we can reduce our carbon footprint. The game consists of four decks of cards, each with a different theme: Energy, Food, Transportation, and Environment. Each deck contains cards with facts, actions, and events related to that theme. The cards are based on IPCC graphs and reports to connect according to causal links. The tool is being constantly improved and updated with each report.

Each game last 3 hours, and it is recommended that each of the two teams is divided equally into groups of 3-7 people per table. We won’t spoil the game by explaining it all, so we’ll stop there! Let’s just say it’s collaborative, and it’ll really get you thinking about the connections between human activities and its effect on both the natural world, and our global communities.

Do you fancy a spot of Climate Fresk?

We’re very pleased to tell you that we are Climate Fresk facilitators, and we’d love to have a game with you. If you’re interested in organising a session with us—whether you’re a current client, or are making your first enquiry—we’d love to set this up. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at hello@boldgreenstrategies.com