Andrew Jones and Chris Landry are leading SI's work in using interactive simulations to spark effective action on climate change. The core method is applying scientifically-grounded system dynamics models, widely-accessible simulations (or “Sims”), and systems thinking metaphors and diagrams. This work complements the efforts of SI’s “Our Climate Ourselves” program.

  • Two page flier on the Climate Change Simulations (pdf)
  • Longer description of the suite of simulations (pdf)

 

Key partners include:

Open Community Climate Sims

We are working to make system dynamics models of the climate system available through “open community” or “open API” architecture to graphic designers, game designers, flight simulator creators and others who can build on the models to make them more accessible and effective at sparking effective action.

  • Shorter project overview (pdf)
  • Project Description (pdf)

 

The Bathtub Climate Sim

One example of the “Open Community Climate Sim” effort is an animated simulation of the global carbon system created with Schlumberger.  Its purpose is to help learners explore the relationship between emissions and atmospheric CO2. 

Carbon Cycle and Climate Sim

With MIT and Ventana Systems, we are adapting a simplified carbon cycle and climate model into an interactive simulation for use in facilitated “Learning Labs” and online for anyone via Forio.

 

Electrical Utility Strategy Sim on Carbon Management

Working with Donella Meadows Fellow Lena Hansen, her team at Rocky Mountain Institute, Leslie Lowe of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, Drew Jones and Chris Landry of SI are developing a system dynamics model that explores the strategic options available to an electrical utility as it works to reduce its contribution to global climate change amidst uncertainties such as possible regulations. What actions make sense when? Demand-side management of energy? Wind farms? Retrofitting existing coal plants? Shutting them down? The model is designed to support an effective strategic conversation about what makes sense for the utility and for the world.

  • "Systems Thinking for Sustainability: A Decision-Support Approach for Electrical Utility Executives Addressing Climate Change" (416KB pdf), by Andrew Jones

The Yet-Unbuilt Temperature Lag Simulation

We plan to create a simple yet powerful simulation game to help learners understand the dynamics of the connection between CO2 in the atmosphere and temperature, given accumulations and feedback dynamics. Our vision of the sim is here. We are currently seeking a funder for this "serious game."

How You Can Help

We are currently engaging partners for these efforts. We see three types of partners (or combinations of types):

  • Sponsors - Funding various efforts
  • Partners - Co-designing the sims and their applications
  • Adopters - Identifying a target group and helping deliver the sims to that group.

To participate, email Drew Jones, apjones [at] sustainer.org

 

Resources

  • A program at SI - Our Climate Ourselves - oriented towards helping people cope with the difficult emotions that climate change (and climate change simulations) call forth and trying to find ways to tap into those emotions as a force for change.
  • "We Can't Afford to Wait and See on Climate Change" (67KB pdf) by Drew Jones and Don Seville
  • Supporting Effective Participation in the Climate Change Debate: The Role of System Dynamics Simulation Modeling (62KB pdf) by Drew Jones and Don Seville
  • Research by MIT's John Sterman and Harvard's Linda Booth Sweeney
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