Power Play: A Game of Coal and Community

  • Location
    Taiyuan
  • Status
    Active
  • Age Level
    14 to 18 Years
    19 to 25 Years
    26 and Over
  • Group Type
    Community-Based Program

The Problem

The problem we want to fix is the lack of understanding and communication between different stakeholders involved in environmental policymaking, especially in coal-dependent communities. Decisions about energy transition often overlook the voices of local workers and residents most affected by pollution and job loss. At the same time, policymakers, activists, and industries often struggle to find common ground. This disconnect leads to mistrust, unequal impacts, and policies that fail to create a truly just and sustainable future. Our project aims to bridge this gap by helping people understand how economic, environmental, and social factors interact and by encouraging empathy across diverse perspectives.

Our Plan

The action we are planning is to design and host an interactive board game that simulates how environmental policies are made in coal-dependent regions. In the game, players take on the roles of different stakeholders such as coal miners, government officials, scientists, and local residents and must negotiate decisions about energy, jobs, and sustainability. Through 3D-printed, sustainably made materials and discussion-based gameplay, participants experience the trade-offs and cooperation required for a just energy transition. We plan to pilot the game at our school and in local community workshops to spark conversations about environmental justice and shared responsibility.

Themes Addressed

  • term icon
    Air Pollution
  • term icon
    Arts
  • term icon
    Community
  • term icon
    Compassion

The Benefit

  • term icon
    People
  • term icon
    Environment
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