Authors

and inventors of KEEP COOL

Gerhard Petschel-Held (1964-2005) was head of the Integrated Systems Analysis Department at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) in Germany. He had a PhD in physics and worked on the integration of natural and social sciences at PIK. He is the author of more than 50 scientific papers. He served at international advisory boards on ecosystem services and human wellbeing (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment) and on climate change (IPCC).

Klaus Eisenack is a professor for resource economics at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Before, he was professor for economics at Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Germany, and worked for several years at PIK. His research interests are adaptation to climate change, the energy transition and new patterns of cooperation to address global environmental change. He is particularly interested in the co-evolution of resources and institutions. He studied mathematics, economics and philosophy and has been developing board- and role-playing games since his early days.

Scientific booklet

To explain the scientific background of the game for the broad public, a booklet has been developed at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). It is part of the game box and is downloadable for free.

Science and Games

You might ask why scientists have tried to develop a board game. Scientists ask questions and try to find systematic answers to them. At the beginning of game development, focus was placed on the following three questions.

  • Is it possible to simplify complex issues, such as climate, climate change and climate protection to their core components, so that they can be conveyed and analyzed in a simple way?
  • Is it possible to develop an attractive and exciting board game based on these simplifications? Can such a game be successfully used for education?
  • Can a simulation game be used as an “interactive model” of reality to contribute to scientific research on climate change?

Theses questions are not only driven by curiosity, but are highly relevant both for research and society. The issue of climate change needs interaction between science and policy. The game is intended to contribute to such an interaction.

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