How can video games change the world for the better? That’s the question posed by Games For Our Future: Surviving Climate Change, a special event series being hosted by environmental and gaming groups at Seattle’s Pacific Science Center.

The series culminates on the weekend of April 13 as game developers, researchers and others come together for a weekend-long hackathon to build video and tabletop games that tackle tough questions about surviving climate change.

The goal is to turn climate research from the University of Washington into recreational and informational games that help players “take real and meaningful action in the face of climate change,” according to the event website.

Members of the game-playing public are encouraged to come take part in the event and watch the developers at work. Things kick off Friday, April 13, at 5 p.m. and continue through Sunday, April 15, at 8 p.m. at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle. See the event website for more details and other events in this special series. The series is hosted by the UW Center for Creative Conservation, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Indies, and Seattle Serious & Social Impact Games Group

That’s one of the highlights from our GeekWire community calendar, the spot for geek and tech events in Seattle and the greater Pacific Northwest. See the full calendar here, submit your event here and keep reading for more suggested events over the next few weeks.

What: “This month, join us at UW to collaborate with 1,000 people in tech and in the community to connect, share, and empower all of us with meaningful opportunities. (Students free.) Our theme this month, in partnership with the University of Washington, is a celebration of the Greater Seattle community.”

When: April 10, 5:30 – 8 p.m.

Where: Paul G. Allen Center for Computer Science & Engineering

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What: “John is a serial entrepreneur that continues to believe that the future of consumer commerce will be won by distributing the disintermediation between sellers & consumer. John has founded and led three start-ups in Seattle and was part of the innovation group at Target. Currently he co founded SHOP, a retail blockchain protocol supporting the value exchanges between Shoppers and Brands.”

When: April 12, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Where: OfferUp Offices

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What: “Innovation stemming from the Pacific Northwest has changed the world. Seattle is, and always has been, home to distinguished visionaries. From products and services, music and airplanes, to medicine and social wellbeing, the ideas cultivated here have had a global impact. How has this small corner of the country had such an enormous impact? … MOHAI’s annual innovation event celebrates and explores Seattle’s distinct role as an innovation hub.”

When: April 17, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Where: MOHAI

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What: “The Regatta is a curated collection of events, workshops and conversations designed to connect women in tech to mentors, peers, resources and to the power of community. We will dwell in the realm of what’s possible, rather than simply what is. The WiT Regatta is an inclusive event. Regardless of your area(s) of expertise, all genders and career levels are welcome and encouraged to participate.”

When: April 23 – 27

Where: Various venues, see schedule for details.

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