Technical Overview

The CO2FX architecture combines a system dynamics model and the Flash™ game in a multiuser interface.

The Model.  Using the STELLA™ modeling system, the core structure for CO2 dynamics was based on the PhD dissertation (MIT, 1997) of Tom Fiddaman: Feedback Complexity in Integrated Climate-Economy Models.  The thesis included several hypothesized models for understanding CO2 emissions and accumulations in various sectors of the environment (e.g. biosphere, oceans, atmosphere).  It also included estimates of emission rates for 1960 which are used for setting initial conditions in the model.  The model and scenario run in 10-year cycles starting in 1960 and ending in 2060. We chose Brazil as the target country for the prototype because it combined many of the issues of a developing industrialized country along with decisions on deforestation and land use.

The Game. Students experience the model through the Flash-based game/scenario. A series of custom APIs link the model and scenario.  Model status is displayed in the game using both numerical, historical graphs, and iconic representations. Changes in model values also trigger multimedia events such as video newscasts about the state of the country.

CO2FX is a multiuser game. Within each country three students assume advisor roles and must work together on issues of spending, taxes, and other decisions. In the prototype, advisors work on the same computer, switching the game interface between each role. Each country is also part of the larger, global model.  The model is hosted using a multiuser server (provided by Forio Inc). Using this technology, it possible for each country (two in the prototype) to work within a shared global model. As in the real world, the student teams in each country have to negotiate with other countries/teams to make changes in the global model that they share.