iAdapt: Expanding engagement with adaptation planning through Climate Smart

The aim of iAdapt is to increase engagement with adaptation planning through the Climate Smart platform (https://climatesmart.ie). The platform was developed in a co-funded project supported by the ENABLE spoke and by an Edge MSCA fellowship as a prototype free online learning platform aimed at educating young people about climate adaptation planning. The prototype platform comprises a series of interactive video- and quiz-based activities and analytics tools for teachers. The activities culminate in participants playing what has come to be called a “serious game” which is fun to play, but conveys “serious” STEM concepts by using cutting-edge interactive maps, flood predictions based on state-of-the art climate modelling, and spatial analysis to simulate a future Dublin which must be defended from flood events. Research underpinning Climate Smart has already demonstrated the need for more localised and place-based climate adaptation resources and the efficacy of Climate Smart’s resources has been validated in highly regarded (Q1 in Scopus) peer-reviewed scientific publications. iAdapt will significantly expand engagement with Climate Smart’s platform. In Phase 1 the prototype platform will be showcased at climate and educational events to expand engagement and recruit participants for in-depth workshops from Transition Year (15-17) student and teacher cohorts, with networks used to recruit actors from climate science, policy and educational games designers. In Phase 2, feedback from workshops will lead to technical and content upgrades to improve educational and engagement impact, before guiding ten Dublin schools through the improved activities and launching the Climate Smart platform in Phase 3.