Climate change is a pressing issue that requires collaboration across multiple sectors. Engaging local stakeholders in discussions around its environmental, economic, and financial impacts is essential to finding sustainable solutions. One highly effective method for fostering such dialogue is the role-play technique. Recently, during the AlpWeek, our partner Alliance in the Alps, as part of the BeyondSnow on Tour program, used this innovative approach to bring together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, creating a platform for discussing the local impacts of climate change and how to respond to them.
During AlpWeek, our partner Alliance in the Alps organized an interactive role-play session as part of the BeyondSnow on Tour program. The goal was to provide a space for stakeholders to understand and discuss the multi-dimensional effects of climate change, particularly its socio-economic and financial consequences. The role-play method encouraged active participation, allowing individuals to step into different roles and perspectives, which led to a deeper understanding of how climate change affects communities in practical, real-world terms.
Here’s a breakdown of how the session was organized, and why this method could be a great tool for fostering dialogue in your own community:
Introduction and scientific context
The session began with an input from a climate expert, Georg Kaser, who provided a scientific overview of the issues at hand. This helped frame the discussion and ensured all participants had a common understanding of the challenges posed by climate change. If you want to apply this method in your own community, try finding a speaker who is able to break down the complex reality of climate change into concrete future scenarios for your region. You want your participants to feel affected from the beginning.
Pre-defined groups and group dynamics
Participants were organized into language-based groups to facilitate communication. However, if you have a homogenous group in terms of language, this step may not be necessary. Each group was assigned with a different role and role description. A discussion within the group allowed participants to brainstorm and share ideas freely before the role-play began.
The role-play setup
The actual role-play was conducted like a public forum. Each group assigned a representative to take over the role with a corresponding name tag and seated at the front of the room. A moderator guided the discussion by posing questions to the different roles, ensuring the conversation stayed on track and everyone had a chance to contribute. This interactive setup made the complex issues of climate change more relatable by allowing participants to speak from various perspectives (e.g., government officials, local business owners, environmental advocates).
Reality check and reflection
After the role-play, the session included a “reality check,” where real-life experts in the roles represented by the participants gave feedback based on their actual experience. This step helped participants assess the realism of the role-play and provided insights into the true nature of the challenges they discussed.
Time considerations and group suitability
The session lasted 90 minutes, but the facilitators suggested that two hours would have been ideal to allow for more in-depth discussion. The role-play method is especially effective when working with a heterogeneous group of participants—those who might not be familiar with the specific challenges that climate change poses or that might only see their own reality within the climate change discussion. The interactive nature of the role-play allows for creative thinking and collaboration in a safe, constructive space.
Why should you try it?
This role-play method can be a powerful tool for engaging stakeholders in your own community. It fosters a better understanding of climate change’s socio-economic consequences by allowing participants to view the issue from different viewpoints. It’s particularly effective for diverse groups, where members may not be fully aware of the various challenges climate change can bring. By offering participants a chance to step into the shoes of others—whether they are local business owners, policymakers, or environmentalists—you can create more empathy and collaborative solutions.
Moreover, the informal and engaging nature of the role-play makes it more accessible than other more traditional methods. It encourages active participation, critical thinking, and an open exchange of ideas, all of which are crucial for building consensus around climate change adaptation strategies.
