Game On for Climate Policy: Building Critical Literacy Resources on Data Centres’ Environmental Impact
Why Attend?
Have you ever considered that Games could be an agent of social change?
As part of the NEXUS project’s commitment to connecting research, policy, and public engagement, this workshop brings together researchers, policymakers, game designers, and students to creatively address one of today’s most urgent challenges: the environmental impact of data centres. A critical issue where digital technology and climate change intersect.
Social movements worldwide are demanding greater accountability from big tech for the environmental effects of data centre infrastructures. This workshop will explore how we can develop innovative resources using serious games to critically examine and raise awareness of the environmental costs associated with data centres.
Workshop Objectives
- Advance policy-relevant dialogue on the environmental and societal costs of data centres and their impact on climate change.
- Critically reflect on regulation, governance, and policy innovation for sustainable digital futures.
- Shape policy conversations around sustainable data infrastructure.
- Experiment with game-based learning as a tool for critical engagement and policy literacy.
- Imagine new, inclusive ways to reduce the energy impact of data centres, ensuring that environmental solutions are rooted in equity, diversity, and fairness for all.
- Develop actionable resources that support policy, advocacy, and education.
Schedule
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 10:00–10:15 |
Opening Moves Welcome & Introductions – Siddharth de Souza & Emellyne Forman |
| 10:15–11:00 |
Who's not at the table ? Provocations & Policy Discussion on Imagination and Inclusion – Moderated by Feng Mao |
| 11:00–11:15 |
Mapping the terrain : Clustering Key Ideas Participants co-map emerging tensions, patterns, and possibilities across the room. |
| 11:15 - 11:30 | Break |
| 11:30 - 12:00 | Designing for Change: Games as Political Tools Moderator: Emellyne Forman Speakers: Chris Alexander & Siddharth de Souza A dialogue on game mechanics, emotional resonance, and creative approaches to policymaking. |
| 12:00–12:15 |
Seeds of Play: Surfacing Design Opportunities |
| 12:15 - 12:30 | Creative Systems: Story, Funding & Policy Pathways Speaker: Prof. Chris Bilton | Moderator: Siddharth de Souza Insights on how the creative industries are influencing policy and why playfulness can be strategic. |
| 12:30 - 13:15 | Lunch |
| 13:15 - 15:00 |
The Design Sprint: Prototyping Justice Oriented Games Facilitator: Siddharth de Souza |
| 15:00–15:30 | Final Rounds: Lightning Reflections & Next Steps |
Featured Speakers
- Laura Quinteros Nogales, GSD, University of Warwick
- Leia Achampong, GSD, University of Warwick
- Dr Nick Lawrence, English & Comparative Literary Studies, University of Warwick
- Dr Jeremy Okonjo, Law, University of Warwick
- Dr Carla Washbourne, CIM, University of Warwick
- Prof Chris Bilton, Centre for Cultural and Media Policy Studies, University of Warwick
Who Should Join?
- Policy professionals interested in digital infrastructure and sustainability
- Researchers and students across disciplines
- Game designers and educators passionate about critical, playful approaches to complex issues
- Advocates and community organisers seeking new tools for engagement
Organised by
- Siddharth de Souza, CIM
- Feng Mao, IGSD
- Emellyne Forman, NEXUS CO-I
- David Hollis, Knowledge Exchange Manager, Warwick Innovations