KLIMA ARENA Museum in Sinsheim

A white robot circles around us. Flying through the air, she introduces herself: ‘I’m Kim, the Klima-Informationsmodul (Climate Information Module).’ Kim is our friend. Would we like to join her on a journey into the near future? Of course – we are curious enough. Kim takes us aboard her time machine and explains what we are seeing. She plays little games with us and remains by our side as our guide to the fascinating world of renewable energy. ‘Aha! So that’s how it works!’ Our journey takes us through a hydrogen tank. It looks as though we have shrunk to just a few millimetres tall. Thanks to Kim, we make it out again – back to our normal size and back in the present. We leave the Gletscher cinema.

The monumental block of ice is one of the attractions at the new KLIMA ARENA. Inside, more than a hundred screens create a flawless 3D illusion. We do not like everything we see there. But turning a blind eye will not help anyone. Climate change is already here. It is transforming our planet almost imperceptibly, yet with devastating consequences. At KLIMA ARENA, we learn the facts – and, most importantly, what we can do about it. This complex issue becomes easy to grasp, clearly explained and fun to explore. Interaction is key. It shows us that we can take action against climate change – by learning more and discovering that, together, we can slow it down.

We also learn that climate change is nothing new. After all, the Ice Age was not invented for an animated film – it really happened. The Earth’s climate has changed throughout its geological history. But what is happening now is fundamentally different. Humanity is emitting too much carbon dioxide, and the situation is becoming critical. KLIMA ARENA explains the issues and shows us how to treat nature and our planet with greater care. In short, it explains how climate action works.

Interactive animations inspire visitors to bring more greenery into cities. An interactive shopping experience in the climate supermarket highlights how everyone can make better choices when shopping. The electronic shopping trolley is fitted with a CO₂ meter. Problems are identified and practical solutions suggested. Nothing remains purely theoretical. The exhibition appeals to all ages, including primary-school children. A mouse and a frog explain what is happening in a child-friendly way. Positioned at children’s eye level, these cartoon characters guide young visitors through the exhibition. Adults would be wise to pay attention too – otherwise, their own children may end up explaining how everything is connected to the climate.

Dr Bernd Welz is Chair of the Board of the Klimastiftung für Bürger foundation, which is behind the project. As Welz emphasises, ‘KLIMA ARENA appeals to every generation.’ And because it is important to lead by example, the building itself is equally impressive. It is what is known as a positive-energy building, meaning that it generates more energy over the course of a year than it consumes. This is achieved using a photovoltaic system on the roof and an underground ice thermal storage system. Adult visitors can learn in detail how the heating and cooling system works. Nobody leaves KLIMA ARENA without having learnt something. It is an experience that offers plenty of practical ideas to take home – thought-provoking, educational and inspiring all at once.

‘Oh … goodbye, Kim! Thank you for the tour. Take care. You’d better stay here in your Gletscher cinema and carry on with your work.’ The more people who join you on your journey through time, the better our chances of tackling climate change.