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An issue of major importance:

The risk of deep climate change due to an excess of greenhouse gases emissions has now become a major global concern.

In December 1997, representatives from 186 countries considered an international scheme which could induce a reduction of these emissions without hampering the economic growth : the Kyoto Protocol. Its principles are now entering into force in many industrialised countries, and namely in the European Union, where these principles have been applied to most large plants since 1st January 2005.

Moreover, the basic features of the Kyoto Protocol will inspire the debate on which measures should be implemented during the next decades. A "Kyoto 2" is already suggested…

A game based on the exciting aspects of the Kyoto Protocol:

Describing the Kyoto Protocol is not an easy task. And yet, it includes some exciting aspects. Kyogami is directly based on the Kyoto Protocol main provisions and builds upon their most original features. The game was designed to enable most adults and future adults to understand the main characteristics of the Protocol.

Citizens will get a better idea of issues at stake in international negotiations. Corporate staff will gain a practical sense of commitments now passed on to the business world. Children will become more familiar with an issue which will remain outstanding during the whole 21st century.

Kyogami complements other tools to enhance awareness:

Consequences of climate change will be serious, maybe catastrophic. However, the danger seems far away, and practical solutions may seem to place too many restrictions from an individual point of view (i.e. less travel, less consumption) or too intricate when they appear at collective level (i.e. with international treaties).

Because it tackles the issue through its exciting side, Kyogami may help towards a progressive awareness. The game may also convince that action is possible, balancing freedom of initiatives with collective objectives. Moreover, the game may set off a desire to learn more, and even to become more active.

An invitation to a better understanding:

Kyogami will familiarise players with a new economic tool, the tradable quota. Those who only want to enjoy themselves will learn about the mechanism unconsciously while playing! Those who take an interest in the game foundations will get an opportunity to test the relevance of this tool in the fight against climate change.

Kyogami will bring no answer on the technical solutions which can be developed to reduce greenhouse gases emissions. Moreover, the game parameters – number of boxes, dispatch of occurrences, etc. – have been fixed in such a way that a good result is not always sure!

These are of course intended choices. Their aim is to give an incentive to players to wonder about forces and weaknesses of the Kyoto Protocol, other possible ways, international situation… Players will find elements of the answer through discussion with their parents, teachers or other players, through meeting with experts from scientific or non-governmental organisations, through reading of books and magazines, and also through visit to dedicated web sites.