Submersion

A board game for coastal risk exploration and adaptation planning

In the face of climate change and rising sea levels, “Submersion” is a strategic collaborative board game designed by H2020-PROTECT to deepen understanding and foster proactive decision-making regarding the risk of coastal submersion. Tailored for a high-school audience and above, the game prompts players to manage a coastal city, grappling with the challenges posed by the risk of marine submersion. The objective is clear: safeguard the city’s future by minimizing the impact of this risk.

The game unfolds in Mer-Ville, a picturesque coastal town threatened by climate-induced changes. Players, acting as members of the City Council, navigate the delicate balance between preserving the city’s historical treasures, sustaining its economic activities, and implementing effective adaptation measures. As climate scenarios unfold, players must grapple with varying degrees of sea-level rise, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and resource allocation.

Key Objectives:

  • Understanding Risk: Explore the concept of risk and its reduction strategies.
  • Adaptation Responses: Learn about diverse responses to the risk of marine submersion
  • Climate Scenarios: Grasp the impact of different climate scenarios on sea level rise and adaptation difficulty.
  • Limits of Adaptation: Understand the constraints and limitations associated with adaptation measures.
  • Temporal Aspect: Recognize that adaptation requires time and advance planning.