UK Lord looks to video games for climate awareness

As chair for the UK's Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Draft Climate Change Bill, Lord David Puttnam has been a voice for raising awareness about issues affecting the environment. Now the film maker and Labour Party politician is looking to video games as a means to help educate people about dangers impacting the world's changing climate.

"Serious games based upon real-life geography should be vital tools in our fight against climate change," said Lord Puttnam in a statement, adding that "Educating people about the impact of prolonged changes to our climate in an accessible way is the best catalyst for action I know." Socially conscious games have enjoyed a wider spotlight in recent years, with developer Red Redemption specifically addressing climate-related topics in its serious games Operation: Climate Control and Climate Challenge. We imagine Lord Puttnam is hoping however to put the issue on a grander stage, as it's all fun and games until someone pokes a hole in the ozone. Oops, too late.

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/09/uk...ate-awareness/