A prototype has been developed that allows for experiencing the effects of one aspect of climate change: Sea level rise. The users begin by taking a small survey about how they feel about climate change. They are shown a short video about how the increased global temperature is causing glacial melt and the impact that it can have on low-lying communities around the world. They then choose a climate model and year in the future to simulate what the sea level will be at their location. A visual overlay is shown on their XR device to display where the sea level will be and how it might impact their day-to-day life. After this experience, the users fill out the survey again to reflect on their experience.

 

With this app already built there is an opportunity to further examine the aspects of how our environment and our lives are affected by climate change. This client is looking to expand the ways in which we can simulate climate change experiences and measure the perception of how this will impact our communities.

 

Some opportunities, from an excerpt from the book “Hothouse Earth: An Inhabitant’s Guide”, for simulation include, but are not limited to (see project files for more information):

A full breakdown of Climate Change examples and data can be found in McGuire, B. (2022). Hothouse earth: An inhabitant’s guide. Icon Books. (https://www.amazon.ca/Hothouse-Earth-Inhabitants-Bill-McGuire/dp/1785789201)

Your task is to design a XR/VR simulation to expose users to environmental impacts of climate change. It must immerse the user in the simulation to fully understand influence on our daily lives. It must measure the impact of the simulation on the perception of the user regarding climate change. It should be 1-3 minutes in length.