MIT Climate Pathways: From simulation to climate action

The MIT Climate Pathways Project (MIT CPP) leverages interactive simulations to advance the adoption of evidence-based climate policy among leaders in the public and private sectors. These interactive simulations include the En-ROADS and C-ROADS climate solution simulators, co-developed with Climate Interactive and MIT Sloan. Backed by research demonstrating that the simulations lead to increased climate knowledge, enhanced sense of urgency, a desire to learn and do more, and direct action, this collaborative project of the MIT Climate Policy Center, MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative, and Climate Interactive is expanding impact by securing additional funding, reaching their target audiences more efficiently, and growing a global community of facilitators. 
 

PPF: How does the MIT CPP support evidence‑based policymaking on climate, and what makes its approach unique in international dialogues like COP? 

The MIT CPP provides simulation tools so leaders can test their policy ideas before bringing them to fruition. Just as pilots learn to fly in a simulator before taking to the skies with precious cargo, we believe policymakers should learn for themselves in a safe environment first, before making decisions that impact us all. They’re in the pilot’s seat, learning about what solutions work. These interactive experiences are a unique fit for international dialogues, because leaders can run tests together on a global scale in real-time and get immediate feedback to support real-world decision-making. 

PPF: What early successes or partnerships illustrate the project's real-world impact? 

In addition to the results of our published impact research, we’ve collected stories of how En-ROADS has changed mental models and influenced decision-making – from a major bank that uses the simulator to train employees on science-based targets and a global investment firm that uses it for scenario planning and risk analysis, to a U.S. mayor who changed his thinking about the time value of carbon and a major European firm that re-shaped their sustainability strategy. The simulators have also been used by the media to ground-truth pledges and proposals in the best available science.  

PPF: How can individuals or organizations incorporate the simulators into their climate action efforts and how do you hope to build this volunteer-based facilitation network? 

En-ROADS and C-ROADS are freely available online in 21 languages, so individuals and organizations can access them now; however, to get the most out of the experience, we recommend experiencing them with a trained facilitator first. We offer a variety of experiences: from one-on-one policy testing, to group workshops, to role-playing exercises, we offer something for everyone. And for those who want to deepen their skills, our collaborators at Climate Interactive offer a free Mastering En-ROADS training program. We are always looking for more En-ROADS Climate Ambassadors around the world!