Ecotality Life

Sometimes, it’s not enough to simply write down your thoughts and discuss environmental issues with others. Sometimes, you just want to be given the reins to enact policy, spur investments, and cut through all the red tape out there to make a greener future. Unless you’re an evil super villain or feel like running for office, chances are that’s not going to happen. However, the makers of the cool computer simulation SimCity have just released a new version that can give you the power to make the world sustainable and in harmony with the environment — all from the comfort of your home.

Called SimCity Societies, you can design cities that either expand or limit their greenhouse-gas contribution and environmental footprint. Players can invest in a mix of power supplies to run their cities, including wind turbines, solar panels, or coal plants. Depending on what themes you choose, either apartment buildings with flower boxes or security cameras will appear. Dark, right? Andrew Revkin of the NY Times reveals a bit more:

“But there are consequences for every decision, which are tracked with a dashboard of sorts that charts the buildup of smog-producing pollution and climate-warming carbon dioxide, as well as higher or lower costs of cleaner or dirtier energy choices. Personal choices of residents matter, too. Walking cuts emissions. Driving adds to them. We zoomed in on a happy lawyer, Myrna Anderson, strolling down her virtual block.”

In an interesting twist, the game features advertising from BP Petroleum alongside clean, green energy schemes. While it’s true that BP has done more to invest in renewable energy than any other oil company, it’s still odd to see such emphasis given to them throughout the game. According to creators, “BP energy experts helped in shaping the scenarios for economic and environmental costs and benefits of various energy options.” They also probably paid a pretty penny to keep that carefully green molded image shiny front and center.

In the end, it’s an interesting “eco” strategy from the SimCity folks. I would personally love to give it a shot and see how difficult/easy it would be to make the world a greener place. As long as virtual Bush Administration isn’t getting in the way, my digital citizens might actually have a chance.

:: SimCity Societies via NY Times

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