Wednesday, 18 November 2009

Doctor Who star David Tennant to feature in online climate change game

The Climate Challenge game, launched by Oxfam, asks questions on topics such as energy use and bills, recycling, renewables and greenhouse gases - with players able to control which answers the celebrities give.

The aid agency hopes the game, launched ahead of the UN climate talks in Copenhagen in December, will raise public awareness about global warming and the need for a strong new deal to cut emissions worldwide.

The Office and Pirates of the Caribbean star Mackenzie Crook, who also features in the game, said: ''The climate challenge is a fun and interactive way to understand more about what we're doing to our planet.

''There is a serious message behind this that we must put pressure on our leaders to agree an ambitious climate deal in Copenhagen.''

The Motorcycle Diaries star Gael Garcia Bernal, who also appears in the game, said: ''Did you know how much energy you save by putting on a sweater and turning your thermostat down by just two degrees? Now is your chance to find out by playing Oxfam's climate challenge.''

Oxfam aims to encourage people to march at ''the wave'' protest in London and Glasgow on December 5 to demand the UK Government pushes for a deal which will provide funding for poor people to adapt to climate change, and ensure the world avoids dangerous temperature rises.

Nicky Wimble of Oxfam said: ''Audience research shows that people care about climate change but don't really understand what's at stake for our planet.

''Oxfam hopes that millions of people play this game, learn some shocking but realistic facts about climate change and become fired up to do something about it - both personally and by lobbying their governments.''

:: The game is available at www.theclimatechallenge.org