A Crucial Role in Shaping the Future

Sam Barratt, chief of youth, education, and advocacy at the UN Environment Programme and co-founder of the Playing for the Planet Alliance, emphasizes the significant part the games industry can play in addressing the climate crisis. Rather than relying on others to drive change, the industry can leverage its massive audience of over three billion players to promote sustainability and environmental awareness. By incorporating eco-friendly themes and incentivizing players to engage with environmental issues, the industry can outperform traditional media like TV, film, and music in educating the public about climate change. The Playing for the Planet initiative, launched in 2019, aimed to make decarbonization and sustainability a standard practice in the video game industry. It has successfully brought together a collaborative community of developers, sharing knowledge and best practices to reduce carbon emissions and promote green themes. The recent Playing for the Planet Green Games Summit showcased the industry's potential for education and leadership, with developers like Wooga and TreesPlease Games receiving awards for their work. Moreover, games can have a tangible impact on the environment, as seen in the Green Game Jam, which resulted in the planting of millions of trees and the engagement of hundreds of millions of players. Connecting scientific research to the video game industry is crucial, and initiatives like Sony's Climate Station, which incorporates IPCC climate data into a game, are paving the way. As the world faces extreme weather events, the games industry can help people visualize and prepare for the future. Research has shown that games can influence player behavior, with a study by the University of Oxford demonstrating that players exposed to 'green' game versions made more sustainable choices. While the industry has faced significant challenges, its commitment to building a greener and cleaner sector remains intact. The UN Environment Programme has facilitated leadership within the industry, and initiatives like the Music for Climate Pact and Albert in TV and film are starting to collaborate and share ideas. With the industry's willingness to adapt and innovate, there is hope for creating a tipping point of positive action to conserve and preserve the planet.