CLA Game Report : Causal Layered Analysis Game on Neo-Carbon Energy Scenarios

Abstract

<p> This report describes the process and results of Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) game session held on 11 June 2015 in the International Conference of &ldquo;Futures Studies Tackling Wicked Problems&rdquo;, organized by Finland Futures Research Centre in Turku. CLA is a qualitative method developed by Sohail Inayatullah. It enables a deeper investigation of alternative futures through an analysis done through four different layers; litany, system, worldview and myth/metaphor. The method functioned as the theoretical framework for the experimental game session conducted during the conference. The aim of the CLA game was to elaborate on and experiment with four transformational scenarios being developed by Finland Futures Research Centre for an ongoing Neo-Carbon Energy project. The tentative scenarios were constructed in the futures-orientated part of the project &ldquo;Neo-Carbon Enabling Neo-Growth Society &ndash; Transformative Scenarios 2050&rdquo;. The research project proposes a new emission-free energy solution based on renewables, mainly solar and wind. In the Neo-Carbon Energy system, solar and wind technologies produce energy that is stored in synthetic methane or other synthetic hydrocarbons. Carbon dioxide and hydrogen can also be used as feedstock for chemicals and materials. The society as a whole is expected to be affected by this new mainly distributed production of energy and materials. The foresight focus is on the economic, political, cultural and social changes. Potential socio-economic consequences and prerequisites of the Neo-Carbon Energy system are anticipated. The scenarios depict a transformed world of renewable distributed energy and peer-to-peer organizations in the year 2050. The session started with a presentation by Sohail Inayatullah about Causal Layered Analysis, and with an introduction to the CLA game and Neo-Carbon Energy scenarios by Sirkka Heinonen. This was followed by an action-orientated workshop where the CLA game was conducted in five moderated break-out groups. At the end of the session the results of the game were presented and debated. The total count of the participants was 40 from next to 20 countries plus 6 moderators and 2 supervisors. The results and analysis of the CLA game are presented in this report followed with conclusions and a discussion. This modified form of a CLA game is to be further developed and experimented with.</p>