What is this game?

As arts and humanities researchers we can sometimes feel limited in our ability to effect change when faced with the enormity of our global challenges. However, we believe that transformation can begin with each one of us and the choices we make, both personally and professionally. We created this card game as a practical tool to explore questions about the ethics and politics of research and how they relate to climate and environmental justice.

Who is the game for?

Everyone! This is a flexible tool that requires no prior knowledge. The deck was originally designed for post-graduates in the arts and humanities, but it can be used by anyone at any level of learning to support reflexive conversations about climate just research and action.

What is climate justice?

There are many different ways of defining climate justice. We understand it as an approach to the climate crisis that centres matters of social, economic and environmental justice, recognising each of these as deeply interlinked. Responsibility for the present emergency is far from evenly distributed, and the worst effects of climate breakdown are falling on those least responsible. Tackling this justly means centring the voices of those most affected by climate damage, recognising the value of knowledges beyond the academy, and addressing historical and ongoing harms that have set us on the path towards environmental collapse.

What does the game do?

It can catalyse meaningful conversations about the climate crisis, climate justice, and epistemic justice in arts and humanities research and beyond.
It helps researchers to navigate the complexities and contradictions inherent in the climate debate, particularly in relation to their individual research paths.
It can help to explore dilemmas with no clear-cut right or wrong answers in a nuanced way, so that multiple perspectives can be considered.
It can facilitate a deeper form of research ethics that goes beyond formal procedures to incorporate greater reflexivity around climate justice.

Ways to play

These cards can be used in different ways. Explore them however you see fit, depending on your project, and the questions and dilemmas you are currently facing. The deck is designed to be played by two or more people, but you can also use it by yourself. If it is your first time exploring the deck, you might want to start with the warm up, or you can head straight into the main game. Once you are familiar with the cards, there are some variations for you to try out.

Warm up (optional)

Familiarise yourself with the deck. Take a small group of cards, and look at each one. What connection is there between each card and questions of climate justice? Does it link to your research? Use the title, image and key words as prompts. Connections can be tangential - the cards are meant to help you think in new directions.

Main game

This is the main version of the game that we developed. It is played in pairs or in small groups. You will use the cards to address the following question:

What work needs to be done to attend to climate justice?

Choose who will go first. The player decides to explore the answers to the question above for one domain/context from the following list:

In my own research
In my discipline/sector
In my institution

So you might ask, for example: 'What work needs to be done to attend to climate justice in my discipline of performing arts?'

Draw three cards out from the deck, and turn them face up. Use the cards to answer the question - consider the images, the words, the feelings they evoke. Pick out ideas that feel relevant, and ignore the rest. Try to make connections between the cards:

One card could express a problem, and another points towards a solution;
One card might represent an ally, another an obstacle;
The cards might be the beginning, middle and end of a story;
Or something else!

Talk through your answer to the question with your group or partner. If you are stuck, invite them to help. Once done, move on to the next person, and start again.

Example

Three cards are displayed: Storytelling, Field and Boundary

Reflecting on how real change can be achieved in K's discipline, K discussed how colonial ties shaped K's academic field by providing research resources but limiting opportunities for equality and collaboration.

Variations

A different question: Use an alternative questions from below instead of our suggested question. Pick what feels appropriate to your research. Or create your own.

Suits: In the warm up, sort the cards into your own suits or decks e.g. of the cards that speak powerfully to you about climate justice, knowledges or activisms. In the main game, players choose the suits they draw from. This approach can help people to make connections between the cards and the questions being asked.

Climate tarot: Draw 6 cards, divide them into 3 groups, and read them like tarot cards. The 3 groups represent the past, the present, and the future respectively. They may speak to your overall academic journey, your current research project or provide a temporal perspective from which to answer a specific question.

Climate diary: Use the cards as a prompt for journalling or blogging on climate justice, your research and beyond. Ask a different question of the cards each time.

Impasse away: If you are blocked or are facing a dilemma with your research, draw three cards to see if they suggest an answer or a new approach.

Alternative questions you could ask of the cards

How do climate issues intersect with the core themes of my research?
How can I incorporate climate justice principles into my research methodology to make it more environmentally and socially just?
In what ways could my research contribute to the broader fight for climate justice?
How could I develop my academic career while actively prioritising climate justice?
What steps can I take to foster collaboration and dialogue on environmental justice with researchers and practitioners within and beyond my field?
How can I utilise my academic platform to advocate for policy changes or inspire action to engender climate justice?
Are there opportunities for me to engage in community-based/participatory research that directly address climate justice concerns?
How should I engage with those most impacted by climate change to ensure the relevance and impact of my research?

Research Ethics

Many of the cards in this deck raise questions about research ethics in relation to climate justice. One important way to continue these conversations is to include questions on the climate crisis in research ethics considerations, both formally and informally. The following questions offer starting points, for yourself or to propose to your department/university:

How have I considered the impact of the climate crisis in my research?
How could I assess the potential environmental consequences of my research project, including any carbon emissions, waste, or resource consumption?
What are potential social, economic, or cultural impacts of my research in terms of climate justice, particularly on marginalised communities or populations?
Could I explore alternative research methods or approaches that prioritise sustainability, such as reducing carbon emissions from travel, using digital tools for data collection, or working with nearby communities?
How can I engage in ethical and inclusive knowledge exchange practices, making research findings accessible and relevant to diverse stakeholders and communities affected by climate change?
How could I incorporate climate justice principles into my research design, so that the project promotes equity, inclusivity and environmental stewardship?
Have I considered potential conflicts of interest or ethical implications related to funders, partners, or affiliates that may have links to industries or practices contributing to the climate crisis?
How could I reflect on my own positionality and role as a researcher within the climate crisis, considering the ethical responsibilities, biases, or potential power dynamics that may influence my work and engagement with stakeholders?
Are there opportunities for me to engage in community-based/participatory research that directly address climate justice concerns?
How should I engage with those most impacted by climate change to ensure the relevance and impact of my research?

What to do when you are finished with the cards

When you feel the cards have served their purpose and you have no further use for them, don't let them gather dust. Give them away - perhaps to a new researcher starting out - or leave them in a common space for others to discover.

Visit the game's website:

cards.chaseclimatejustice.network

Here you will find:

An online version of the game and of this leaflet.
An opportunity to share your experience of the game with us and give feedback.

If you have any questions about this game or the CHASE Climate Justice network message us here:

Our aim is to nurture a community that empowers us to navigate the complexities of the climate crisis, embrace climate justice, and create meaningful impact through our research endeavours.

The design and production of this game was supported by the CHASE Doctoral Training Partnership, funded through the Arts and Humanities Research Council. Logos: CHASE Doctoral Training Partnership, CHASE Climate Justice network, Arts and Humanities Research Council

Artwork and card design by Rory Midhani

Game design by the CHASE Climate Justice Network (Marleen Boschen, Elly Clarke, Naomi Hennig, Cliff Hammett, Katriona McGlade, Karolina Szpyrko).

With thanks to CHASE, Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre (BOARC), Rory, and Cliff.