Climate communication using virtual reality
Professor Niklaus Heeb, director of Knowledge Visualization, and Jonas Christen, research assistant at Zurich University of the Arts
How can the climate crisis be taught? What are the expected scenarios and what do we truly find ourselves confronted with? – Our two experts have created two virtual reality (VR) experiences that show you up close what the impact of climate change means for us all. You don’t have to drive anywhere, but can simply experience it all in an exhibition.
The climate crisis
For a long time now, experts have been warning us that the glaciers are melting. The rise in temperature can no longer be averted and thus represents the greatest challenge faced by humankind. Through global efforts, the rise is to be limited to less than two degrees. But what do these two degrees mean in real terms for nature, the landscape and the human race? How can such complex and abstract information be conveyed? And what are the recipes/strategies against people’s denial and lack of engagement?
Experience the consequences
To address this complex issue, two Swiss universities have developed and investigated VR experiences. The latest glacier models have been visualised using VR. The result: virtual journeys into the future of the Aletsch and Morteratsch glaciers. The Department of Geosciences at the University of Fribourg (UniFR) has calculated the changes to the glaciers and made these tangible in virtual 3D space with the help of the Knowledge Visualization research group of Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK).
With the external page Two-Degrees Expedition and the external page VR Glacier Experience, you can find out what impact climate change is having on the glaciers and their surrounding environment. The projects convey complex information (two-degrees target) in a simple and easily comprehensible way combined with a positive emotional experience.
In the 17:15 Colloquium, we present research questions, communication concepts, design processes and PR work.
Through time and space: the Two-Degrees Expedition
With 3D goggles, you can take part in the external page Two-Degrees Expedition. In the virtual world of the Great Aletsch Glacier, you will experience the effects of temperature increase in the mountains in an interactive and emotionally engaging way. Travel through time and space: see the region through the eyes of your grandparents and great-grandchildren.
The experience is designed to make participants reflect on social and individual decisions and behaviours, and to make climate change tangible. Let us assume individual and collective responsibility.
This collaboration between ZHdK, UniFR, PHGR and UZH was made possible thanks to the Swiss National Science Foundation’s Agora programme.
Up close: the VR Glacier Experience
The second project is a external page multimedia exhibition in the mountain station of the Diavolezza cable car in the Engadin. What impact is climate warming having on the Morteratsch Glacier and its water balance? The project also presents a possible way to slow the melting of the glacier. Explore this virtual space and experience up close the ways in which the glacier and the landscape are changing. Four interactive stories visually present the enormous challenge we face.
The production is based on a 150-year-long series of measurements, studies of the local region and the latest Swiss climate scenarios. Experience an accurate virtual rendering of the site. 3D cameras and videos make the tour guides seem almost real.
This collaboration between ZHdK and UniFR was made possible thanks to Graubündner Kantonalbank’s 150-year-anniversary project #gkb2020.
The Knowledge Visualization research group focuses on design and knowledge transfer via 3D visualisation and virtual reality. The research group investigates educational concepts and issues of design and aesthetics. The aim is to generate new insights and develop innovative tools for knowledge transfer.
external page Additional information on the subject of Knowledge Visualization
Professor Niklaus Heeb is the director of Knowledge Visualization at ZHdK. He oversees the areas of the Master's programme and the research of Knowledge Visualization, and lectures on image design and the conventions of scientific illustration. Niklaus Heeb studied scientific illustration in Zurich, as well as biology at the University of Basel, where he graduated with majors in Anthropology, Primatology and Behavioural Science in 2003.
As a lecturer and researcher, Niklaus Heeb is responsible for designing and implementing numerous research and development projects in the area of knowledge transfer for a wide audience (scientainment). He is also engaged in teaching and research projects in the field of science-to-science, where he collaborates closely with partner universities to study image-based research processes and visualisation tools.
Jonas Christen is a research associate at ZHdK’s Knowledge Visualization department. After completing his BA in Scientific Visualization, he obtained his MA in Design Research at the Bern University of the Arts. He specialises in the communication of scientific content using digital media, with a focus on augmented and virtual reality. He is also a founding member of the external page ikonaut company, which specialises in the visualisation of scientific and popular-science content.