The Checkmate project – “Living Labs and Game-Based Learning to Checkmate Climate Misinformation”
is a transnational initiative funded by the Erasmus+ programme (KA220-YOU), designed to strengthen youth workers’ competences and equip young people with critical thinking tools to combat climate misinformation.
In the face of growing disinformation, particularly around climate change and sustainability, the project responds with innovative, educational, and participatory tools. It leverages the power of game-based learning and Living Labs to foster environmental literacy, empower youth engagement, and promote fact-based narratives on climate issues.
Today’s youth navigate an information-rich digital world, where climate change is frequently misrepresented. The spread of false or misleading environmental claims -whether through social media, unverified influencers, or interest-driven narratives- can cause confusion, apathy, or even denial of climate action.
Youth workers are on the front lines, yet often lack the tools and resources needed to address misinformation effectively. There is a clear need to develop educational approaches that are engaging, critical, and collaborative, while aligning with non-formal learning methodologies.
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Checkmate brings together five organisations from Latvia, Greece, Austria, Hungary, and Romania to co-create and pilot innovative solutions that enhance young people’s resilience to misinformation.
Through co-designed activities, the project will:
- Develop a toolkit of educational resources for youth workers on how to address climate misinformation.
- Design and test the “Climate Checkmate” simulation game, an engaging, scenario-based board game to foster environmental understanding and debate.
- Set up and run Living Labs in each partner country—spaces where young people explore, test, and evaluate climate claims and initiatives in a hands-on, community-driven way.
- Promote the results widely, creating a strong dissemination ecosystem to inspire adoption by other educators, organisations, and networks.
Core Themes:
- Climate Literacy & Sustainability Education
- Critical Thinking and Media Literacy
- Gamification in Non-Formal Learning
- Participatory Methods and Local Engagement
- Youth Empowerment & EU Values
Our Partners in the project:
Ecological Future Education – Latvia
EFE is a youth-focused organisation committed to sustainable development, critical environmental education, and innovation in youth work. As project coordinator, EFE ensures the overall coordination, financial management, and strategic implementation of project results. EFE also leads dissemination efforts and policy integration.
EMOTIC brings deep experience in gamification, youth engagement, and motional intelligence in education. As leader of the Climate Checkmate simulation game (WP3), EMOTIC will guide the co-design, prototyping, and testing of the core game product and support the educational toolkit development.
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ROES Cooperativa – Greece ROES Cooperativa – Greece
ROES is a social cooperative enterprise experienced in creative learning, non-formal education, and environmental sustainability. ROES is responsible for managing WP2 and co-leading project coordination (WP1). Their expertise in designing participatory educational tools and methodologies will be key to the success of the toolkit.
ACDC promotes community development, civic education, and cultural awareness. As the lead of WP5 (Mainstreaming and Inspiring), ACDC ensures that the project results are widely shared and adopted. Their focus is on impactful dissemination, stakeholder outreach, and community building.