We-Adapt: Expanding adaptation engagement with the climate smart platform

We-Adapt will increase young people’s engagement with adaptation planning through the Climate Smart platform (https://climatesmart.ie) a free online learning platform developed by researchers in Trinity College Dublin. The platform comprises a series of co-designed interactive video- and quiz-based activities and analytics tools for teachers which culminate in participants playing a “serious game” which is fun to play, while conveying STEM concepts through 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. We-Adapt will develop additional hands-on workshops in subject areas related to flooding in order to complement and deepen students’ virtual engagements achieved through the Climate Smart platform. Research underpinning Climate Smart has already demonstrated the need for more localised and place-based educational climate adaptation resources and the efficacy of Climate Smart’s platform resources has been validated in a series of highly regarded peer-reviewed scientific publications that were included in the 2022 IPCC WGII AR5 report. We-Adapt will make this tool available to secondary schools across the Dublin region and Cork, supporting TY teachers in educating young people about the science and policy of climate adaptation, and ensuring participation of DEIS schools. With over 70% of students now opting to take transition year, and the development of a new leaving certificate subject in climate action and sustainable development starting in 2024, We-Adapt will enable the Climate Smart platform to become a key resource for educating young people in Ireland about climate adaptation.