On June 30, Ustka hosted a unique urban game focused on climate resilience. Forty-five participants, forming six teams, explored the town and completed tasks inspired by real-life challenges faced by cities and regions across Poland. Their mission was to uncover a climate saboteur responsible for undermining the city’s efforts to adapt to climate change.
Working together, participants searched for solutions, analysed clues, made decisions, and experienced firsthand the importance of cooperation, communication, and readiness to act.
The game followed a detective-style storyline in which participants had to determine which of six suspects was responsible for obstructing efforts to enhance the city’s resilience to climate change. The suspects included Mr. Concrete, who favours concrete spaces and dislikes trees; Princess Climate Ignorance, who dismisses climate change as a serious issue; Captain Drought, who depletes natural water resources; and the Green Saboteur, who undermines expert knowledge. The list also included Gale of Fury and Torrential Rain, representing the increasingly frequent extreme weather events affecting communities across the region.
At seven themed stations, participants met representatives of key local and regional institutions, including Słowiński National Park, the State Fire Service, the Municipal Police Headquarters in Słupsk, Ustka City Hall, the Municipal Guard in Ustka, the Cultural Centre in Ustka, and the Local Tourist Organization “Ustka and the Słupsk Region.” Through a variety of interactive challenges, participants learned how different institutions contribute to climate adaptation, emergency preparedness, and public safety.
Participants, including tourists, local residents, children, young people, and adults, not only enjoyed the game but also gained valuable knowledge about climate-related risks and safety issues. Through a series of tasks, they learned how to respond appropriately in emergencies, how to reduce risks associated with severe weather events, and why biodiversity is essential for resilient communities. They discovered that climate resilience is not only about responding effectively to crises, but also about anticipating risks, preparing for future challenges, and adapting to changing environmental conditions.
At the end of the game, participants discovered that although the actions of all the suspects had negative consequences for the climate, the environment, and the well-being of residents and visitors, the true culprit was Captain Drought. Five teams successfully solved the mystery, and the winner was determined by the fastest completion time.
The winning team was Górnik Kłodawa I. Each member received a voucher worth PLN 200 for the Siódme Niebo Restaurant in Ustka, along with additional prizes. Congratulations to the winners, and a heartfelt thank you to all participants for their enthusiasm and commitment.
In parallel with the game, a “Resilience and Safety Zone” was set up at Ustka City Hall. Participants had the opportunity to meet and engage with representatives of the Police, the State Fire Service, and Słowiński National Park. They discussed safety rules, ways to prevent and reduce risks, and situations that both residents and tourists may encounter. Visitors also learned more about one of Poland’s most beautiful national parks and the growing challenge of biodiversity loss.
We sincerely thank all partners for their commitment, professionalism, and excellent engagement with participants during both the game and the Resilience and Safety Zone.
The event was organized by the “Pomorskie in the European Union” Association in cooperation with the City of Ustka as part of the ClimaResponse project, co-funded by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021–2027.
