My Coastal Futures
Challenge
Coastal communities are already feeling the effects of climate change, from rising seas to more frequent flooding. Yet for many property owners, it can be difficult to picture how these risks play out over time or what options exist to respond. The challenge for NIWA was to create an accessible, engaging way for people to explore adaptation strategies and see the long-term consequences of their choices.
Solution
My Coastal Futures is a simulation game developed by NIWA with creative design from Hum Interactive. Set in a coastal township, it places players in charge of managing properties as the impacts of sea level rise unfold. Players must choose when and how to invest in defences, make trade-offs between short-term costs and long-term resilience, and balance community needs with individual property decisions. By experimenting with different approaches, players see first-hand how proactive planning shapes outcomes for both their homes and their wider community.
Positive Impact
The game has been used in workshops and community sessions across New Zealand, providing a shared space for dialogue about climate risks. By translating complex science into an interactive experience, it helps people connect data with daily life, making adaptation strategies easier to understand and discuss. Participants leave with a stronger grasp of the choices ahead, empowering them to take part in conversations about the future of their coasts.
Overview
Coastal communities are already feeling the effects of climate change, from rising seas to more frequent flooding. Yet for many property owners, it can be difficult to picture how these risks play out over time or what options exist to respond. The challenge for NIWA was to create an accessible, engaging way for people to explore adaptation strategies and see the long-term consequences of their choices.
Video Trailer
My Coastal Futures is a simulation game developed by NIWA with creative design from Hum Interactive. Set in a coastal township, it places players in charge of managing properties as the impacts of sea level rise unfold. Players must choose when and how to invest in defences, make trade-offs between short-term costs and long-term resilience, and balance community needs with individual property decisions. By experimenting with different approaches, players see first-hand how proactive planning shapes outcomes for both their homes and their wider community.
