Assessing the impact of The Climate Fresk workshop on climate-related attitudes and behavioral intentions in the workplace: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: As the urgency of climate action grows, innovative educational approaches are needed to bridge the gap between knowledge and commitment. The Climate Fresk, a collaborative and gamified workshop based on IPCC reports, has reached millions worldwide, but rigorous evidence on its effectiveness remains limited.Objective: This study protocol describes the first randomized controlled trial assessing the impact of The Climate Fresk on climate-related attitudes and pro-environmental behavioral intentions among workers. Secondary objectives are to examine potential moderating factors, such as socio-demographic characteristics, ecological identity, emotions, facilitator expertise and organisation status, to qualitatively explore participants’ perceptions, motivations, and barriers.Methods: We will conduct a parallel, mixed-method RCT including 1,354 participants recruited from French organizations. Eligible participants will be randomized (1:1) to either the experimental arm (The Climate Fresk, a three-hour interactive workshop) or the control arm (a one-hour lecture-style video). Primary outcomes are climate-related attitudes and pro-environmental behavioral intentions, assessed at baseline (T0) and one week post-intervention (T2). Secondary outcomes include ecological identity, emotions, and prior behaviors. Semi-structured interviews with a subsample of participants (n=20) will be conducted one month later (T3). Quantitative data will be analyzed using linear mixed-effects models, accounting for clustering by facilitator and organization. Qualitative data will undergo thematic analysis.Discussion: This trial will provide the first large-scale, controlled evidence on the effectiveness of The Climate Fresk in shaping attitudes and intentions toward climate action. By integrating quantitative and qualitative insights, and considering moderating factors, it aims to advance understanding of gamified climate education and inform strategies to engage diverse populations in sustainability transitions.