Are you ready for the Carbon Challenge?
Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge facing the world today and carbon emissions produced by human activity are driving climate change. The North East is no exception, it is estimated that average temperatures will rise by about 2°C, but could get higher if we don't tackle the problem.
Climate Dome is a unique project aiming to reduce climate damaging CO2 emissions across the region. The initiative driven by CarbonNeutral North East is supported by a network of partners including Defra, Scottish Power, the Centre for Life, Newcastle City Council, the Environment Agency and the Energy Saving Trust.
The eye- catching inflatable Climate Dome has been in action for a few weeks now, spreading the word about climate change to thousands of shoppers in Newcastle City Centre. Supported by a team of environmental communicators, help is on hand to assist visitors in understanding issues and guide them through a variety of interactive exhibits. Which include a newly launched interactive learning game “The Carbon Challenge”. The game has been developed, designed and programmed by local Company Indigo Multimedia with additional illustrations provided by local design agency, Sumo.
Anthony Frith, Project Designer at Indigo Multimedia comments “There were a number of considerations when developing the game; firstly we needed to blend the educational aspects of the content with something that would be fun, appealing and simple enough for people of all ages and ability to play”. A point reiterated by Indigo programmer Dan Shepard “by encouraging gamer interaction we provided an engaging brand experience that simplifies quite complex issues”
The resulting game uses a clever mix of illustration and animation to present complicated messages in a stimulating way. By catching carbon goodies and eliminating carbon baddies, players can test their skills, dexterity and knowledge over four challenging levels. All players who register have the chance to win a range of great prizes each month. Goodies on offer include bikes and carbon free white goods such as energy saving fridges.
“The Carbon Challenge is already proving to be a valuable educational tool, as it enables us to help people understand the impact of their everyday actions “ says CarbonNeutral North East Director, Charlie Henderson. “ We are delighted with the approach taken by Indigo; they have created an interactive platform which helps us engage people of all ages and tell the story of climate change in a direct, fun way.”
Within the next few weeks the Carbon Challenge will be laid down to hundreds of local schools across the region. Each school will be receiving a DVD film which highlights the challenges faced by the North East in respect to climate change. Schools will be encouraged to compete in the game and pit their knowledge against each other.
In the press:
Shell LiveWIRE
"Indigo offer much more than design and programming they help us with our strategy and thinking. This can mean the difference between the success and failure of a project. So far it's 10 out of 10 for success."
Gary Nagel,
IT Manager.
