Giant Climate Fresk @University of Newcastle - Citizen COP 2026

Participate in Australia’s Biggest Climate Education Event: The GIANT Climate Fresk

Academics, educators and students: come and experience it first-hand

Climate Fresk is used in universities around the world as a way to teach climate science through collaboration rather than lectures. We're inviting University of Newcastle staff, researchers and students, and anyone curious about the format, to take part in a full workshop on campus.

You'll leave with a clear understanding of the science, a feel for how the method works in practice, and, if you teach, ideas for how it could fit your own courses and cohorts. No prior climate knowledge is needed, and participants from every discipline are welcome.

It's also a chance to meet people from across the University, and to join a Citizen COP event that brings climate and biodiversity conversations into our local community.

Prefer to see it first?
Watch this short video explaining how a format works, filmed at the Climate Fresk Summit 2025 at the University of Newcastle. Then come back and book your seat for this workshop:)

What is Climate Fresk?

Climate Fresk is an internationally acclaimed, science-based workshop that turns complex climate science into a fun, interactive game. Using 39 cards based on the latest IPCC reports, participants work in teams to map out the causes and consequences of climate change.

• No lectures.

• No jargon.

• Just collaborative learning, rich conversations, and a boost of collective energy to act.

Over 2.3 million people around the world have taken part — from students and citizens to business leaders and policymakers. Now, it’s Australia’s turn. Find out more about Climate Fresk: https://climatefresk.org/world/

Who's it for?

• If you're relatively new to the topic, this is the best 3 hours you can spend on it.

• If you're already advanced, you will discover a tool to raise awareness and empower others around you.

• Anyone over the age of 14 - we have an alternative game format for younger audiences.

How it works

The workshop is based on a 39-card game. Each card represents an element of the climate system.

As a team, guided by your facilitator, you will identify the cause-effect relationship between the different mechanisms and forces at play. Use the power of collective intelligence to solve the climate puzzle! This step-by-step creation of the 'Fresk' provides keys to understanding the big picture of climate change and its complexity.

After building the Fresk, you will engage in a productive discussion on solutions and actions.

Why this matters

Climate science isn’t a mandatory prerequisite for politicians and decision-makers — but it should be.

At Citizen COP Australia, we believe every meaningful climate conversation and decision must begin with a solid understanding of the science. That’s why we’re opening with the Climate Fresk — a workshop that gives everyone, regardless of background, the tools to think critically, act confidently, and shape a better future.

Whether you're just starting your climate journey or already well along the path, this workshop will leave you:
- Equipped with science-backed knowledge
- More confident talking about climate with peers and leaders
- Energised by connection and collective intelligence
- Inspired to take meaningful action

This workshop is neutral, non-political, and designed to unite people around the facts — and the possibilities for change.

Let’s make noise. Let’s make change. Let’s make history.

This is a public session by People For Nature hosted by CIFAL Newcastle.

For any questions or support, please contact:
Masha Kondrasheva | masha.kondrasheva@newcastle.edu.au | 0411682792

About Citizen COP Australia

Citizen COP Australia is a decentralised, people-powered movement running alongside the global COPs in 2026. Enabled by People For Nature, but intentionally independent and distributed, Citizen COP invites communities, organisations, schools, businesses, artists, and local groups across Australia to host their own events during the COP period. Rather than a single central event, Citizen COP is a nationwide network of conversations, workshops, and actions that bring global climate and nature discussions into local communities. It connects people to science, solutions, and each other, strengthening civic engagement and ensuring citizen voices contribute to Australia’s climate and nature conversations.

https://www.peoplefornature.org.au/citizen-cop

About People For Nature

People For Nature is a volunteer-powered environmental charity empowering communities through climate and biodiversity education, citizen conservation, and science. We believe that when Australians understand and connect with nature, they’re more likely to protect it — safeguarding our climate, ecosystems, and well-being.

Your tax-deductible donation helps us bring initiatives like Citizen COP Australia to life and inspire real change for the planet. https://www.peoplefornature.org.au/donate