The HEATWAVES project, an Erasmus+ initiative addressing climate education, was featured at the Open EARTH 2 Conference on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation. Held from November 26-28, 2024, in Rethymnon, Crete, the conference was organized within the framework of the LIFE ClimaMED project, focusing on innovative strategies for mitigating climate change impacts in the Mediterranean agricultural sector.
On November 27, the HEATWAVES project team delivered a presentation titled “Improving Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes About Heatwaves Through the Digital Game ‘HEATWAVE CITY’.” The session showcased the project’s interactive learning tool designed to enhance understanding of heatwave resilience and urban sustainability among students.
The presentation, led by the research team, highlighted:
- Objectives: The use of the “HEATWAVE CITY” game to educate students about the causes and impacts of heatwaves and the role of sustainable urban planning in mitigating these challenges.
- Methodology: Incorporating the digital game into the educational curriculum to foster interactive, problem-solving approaches to learning.
- Findings: Significant improvement in students’ knowledge and attitudes regarding climate adaptation strategies following the use of the game in classroom settings.
The session sparked meaningful dialogue among conference participants, who included researchers, educators, and policymakers. Many attendees praised the innovative approach of using digital games to address complex socio-scientific issues such as heatwaves and climate adaptation.
“Interactive tools like ‘HEATWAVE CITY’ bridge the gap between knowledge and action, empowering students to grasp critical environmental concepts and apply them in meaningful ways,” noted one participant. The presentation underscored the potential for integrating the game into broader educational initiatives across Mediterranean regions and beyond, with attendees expressing interest in collaborative efforts to implement similar strategies in their local contexts.
About HEATWAVES
The HEATWAVES project, involving partners from Belgium, Greece, Italy, and Romania, seeks to transform climate education by:
- Developing online learning frameworks focusing on heatwave awareness.
- Providing innovative digital resources for students and educators.
- Creating immersive experiences through simulations and educational games.
- Sharing impactful findings through scientific publications.
For more information about HEATWAVES, visit:
Website: www.heatwaves-project.eu
Contact: www.heatwaves-project.eu/contact-us
LinkedIn: HEATWAVES Awareness Education
