The Habitat Hazard level of the game featuring colourful characters

A Preston pair are releasing a computer game to educate children about climate change.

Eco Heroes is the brainchild of illustrator Dave Robinson and council worker Stephen Parkinson.

The game – Animal Alert – shows children how to use less energy, recycle and cut back on food waste.

Robinson, 34, said: “Children will be affected by climate change more than anyone else and they hold the key to the future of our planet. Behaviour starts at a young age and the Eco Heroes have been designed to be fun, colourful and exciting so that children want to be and behave like an Eco Hero.

“Once inspired to be Eco Heroes, it’s then second nature for children to want to take greater care of the environment. Removing phone chargers, turning appliances off ‘standby’ mode, switching the lights off and not running the taps when brushing your teeth, are all simple steps that children as Eco Heroes can do.

“In turn, this behaviour influences their parents, grand-parents, family and friends so that more and more people become Eco Heroes. One generation inspiring another.”

Climate crazy level of Eco Heroes

The pair are seeking £22,000 of funding on the Kickstarter website which invites anyone to fund new projects and ventures.

Parkinson, 42, said: “Dave and I both have children at primary school and to be honest we are big kids ourselves.

“Games are a fantastic way to reach people, especially children, so we have designed an Eco Heroes game that appeals to both children and parents. Animal Alert is about saving animals but it also has a strong environmental message and how our actions affect the planet.

“Climate change and global warming is a truly difficult concept to understand, let alone teach. Current resources focus on telling children about the environment, rather than inspiring them to find out and do more for themselves. The Eco Heroes fills this gap and engages children on their level so that they want to become Eco Heroes.”

The game has taken two years to design and develop.

What do you think about the game? Will you be backing it? Let us know in the comments below