Bringing climate change health issues and solutions to life for A-Level biology students

For thousands of years the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have remained relatively constant.  However, in the 20th century the human population multiplied from 1.6 billion to 6.1 billion people and CO2 emissions grew twelvefold.

This is seriously affecting the global environment. For example, the change in climate affects the natural balance of ecosystems.  Species that previously struggled may thrive, while those that thrived may struggle. This is also true for diseases where those previously under control may turn into epidemics. The threats posed by global climate change will increase and compound the health problems of the entire world.

What we did:

PlayGen developed Climate Health Impact which is a simulation based game designed to give biology students a better understanding of the health impacts of climate change. It focuses on identifying diseases and understanding the policies that could be implemented to help us adapt.

Players assume the role of a biomedical scientist and policy maker aiming to prevent and reduce the impacts of diseases spreading throughout the world due to climate change.

By correctly diagnosing symptoms and methods of transmission for diseases, the player is able to research treatment for diseases and begin helping casualties. By placing specific polices in affected areas they are also able to slow the spread of disease, and by doing so reduce fatalities.

Climate Health Impact links to the A Level Biology curriculum for OCR, AQA and Edexcel, enabling it to be used effectively in the classroom as well as at home.

The benefits:

• Raises awareness of the social impact of biomedical research and development in the context of global warming.
• Highlights the health implications and the need for advances in biomedicine to minimise human suffering.
• Provides a highly motivating tool for teachers and students to connect to and better understand the topic.
• Inspires the next generation of biomedical scientists by illustrating the urgency and the need to engage with the subject.

Feedback:

Students:

“I enjoyed learning about new diseases and symptoms, it really opened my eyes to other diseases in the world today and how we might get them in our country due to climate change”

“I discovered new diseases and new things about diseases I have already studied on my course – like meningitis is spread through the air”

“I enjoyed competing against my friends to see who could diagnose all the diseases and save the most people!”