A customized version of the beloved game Minecraft has been introduced as a tool to engage children in the pressing issue of climate change. This innovative educational initiative, launched by the Environment Agency, targets students aged nine to 14, focusing on critical topics such as coastal erosion and flood resilience.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Bude, Cornwall, the game, named CoastCraft, invites players to take on the challenge of protecting their environment in the face of rising sea levels, all while considering the needs of their local community. Caroline Douglas, the executive director for flood and coastal risk management at the Environment Agency, emphasized the importance of equipping the next generation with the knowledge necessary to tackle contemporary and future challenges. “Coastal erosion is a natural and ongoing process,” she noted, “but climate change is intensifying these risks.” Douglas highlighted how CoastCraft encourages creativity and experimentation among young players, allowing them to devise solutions to real-world problems within a virtual Minecraft landscape.
This initiative is part of a broader £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programme, developed in collaboration with Minecraft Education and Cornwall Council. It builds on the success of the Rivercraft games, which similarly focused on flood risk management while retaining the interactive charm of Minecraft’s block-building format.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating that the government is committing a record £7.9 billion in capital funding over the next decade to enhance protection for coastal communities, including those in Cornwall. “As a former teacher, I’m thrilled that CoastCraft will help young people understand the impacts of our changing climate and empower a new generation of scientists,” she remarked.
Loic Rich, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, acknowledged the contributions of students from Sir James Smith School in Camelford and Windmill Hill Academy in Launceston, who played a vital role in the game’s development and testing. “We’re really proud that our coastal community of Bude serves as the backdrop to this innovative game, which can now be played by young people around the world,” he added.
Related topics
- Minecraft
- Coastal erosion
- Cornwall
- Bude
- Climate
