Minecraft game launched to teach climate change

The game's makers hopes the next generation will be ready to face environmental challenges

A customised version of Minecraft is being used to inspire children to learn more about climate change.

This educational take on the globally-popular 3D video game has been launched by the Environment Agency. It aims to teach students aged between nine and 14 about coastal erosion and flood resilience.

Based on the landscape of Bude, Cornwall, CoastCraft challenges players to protect the environment by responding to rising sea levels, while balancing the needs of the local community.

Caroline Douglas, from the Environment Agency, said the game would help "ensure the next generation has the knowledge they need to face challenges now and in the future".

"Coastal erosion is a natural and ongoing process and England's coastline has never been static, but we know climate change is increasing the risks," said Ms Douglas, who is the agency's executive director for flood and coastal risk management.

"CoastCraft inspires young people to use their creativity to experiment in order to find solutions to real world problems within a virtual Minecraft world."

The game has been developed in partnership with Minecraft Education, Cornwall Council and the agency as part of the latter's £200m Flood and Coastal Innovation Programme.

It follows the success of the similarly themed Rivercraft games, which also centred on flood risk management while providing an innovative twist on Minecraft's interactive block-building format.

Minecraft took the gaming world by storm when it was released in 2009

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said the government was "investing a record £7.9bn in capital funding over 10 years to better protect these coastal communities" like 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.

Loic Rich, Cornwall Council's cabinet member for environment and climate change, thanked the students at Sir James Smith School in Camelford and Windmill Hill Academy in Launceston for helping to develop and test the game.

"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.