I embarked on a mission to craft a captivating game that enables individuals to personally experience the profound impact of their choices, as well as the collective choices made by humanity, on our planet. My ultimate aim was twofold: to foster a deep comprehension of the intricate interconnectedness between us as human beings and the natural world, while highlighting the hurdles we face in making environmentally conscious decisions.

 

Drawing inspiration from the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) and the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) graphs, the game's design mirrors these pathways, each depicting a distinct future outcome based on our actions—whether we continue on a business-as-usual trajectory or take immediate action. As I delved into the narratives that unfolded within each pathway, I gained a profound understanding of the actions that led us there and the far-reaching repercussions affecting every facet of our lives.

 

Currently employed by the IPCC, the SSP pathways incorporate predictions on how climate change will unfold in response to socio-economic factors such as population, economy, land use, and energy changes. It is essential to grasp that climate change spares no one; its impact will be felt by every individual. For those who may not experience the immediate consequences, it can be challenging to recognize how they contribute to climate change or how it affects them personally.

 

My intention in working with these scenarios is not to paint a dystopian future or instill shame but to foster an understanding of uncertainties and alternative actions within the context of climate change. I aspire for players of the game to become intimately familiar with the pathways, their symbolic significance, and the message they convey, ultimately prompting a call to action. Moving towards the 'green' pathway signifies a trajectory towards an increasingly sustainable world, where we cherish and acknowledge the precious gift of life on this Earth.