Abstract
It's threat seems too distant and the impact of climate change on individuals appears too insignificant. There is a lack of personal experience and the associated emotions that would prompt action. Would people be more motivated to take action if they could experience the consequences of climate change for themselves?
The research team at HAW Hamburg and its partners are investigating this question with their virtual reality project “Klima-ACT!” using the example of an allotment garden in Hamburg: from the comfortable position of a porch swing, users observe the destructive power that extreme weather can have on their personal environment. Technologically enhanced textiles allow users to literally feel climate change on their own bodies. Together, users can try to counteract the destructive forces and protect their beloved allotment garden. The experience is integrated into an exhibition where visitors can discuss what they have experienced as well as the topic of climate change and the challenges it poses. Various materials and information are provided to highlight opportunities for active engagement. How and where do people have the power to take action?
Klima-ACT! is a call to action. Through immersive and interactive experiences, it aims to strengthen the climate change discourse and a shared awareness of climate protection. This is the vision of a consortium combining climate research, game development, multi-user technologies, and textile design.
Exhibition and Research Study
In May 2024 Klima-ACT! was shown free of charge as a public exhibition in the open space of the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg as part of the Water Pressure exhibition. A companion booklet can be downloaded here
An accompanying study was conducted to investigate the project's research question. Klima-ACT! investigates the potential of interactive technologies (e.g., virtual reality) to encourage users to act in a more climate-friendly manner by making them experience man-made climate change and its threatening future scenarios. To this end, climate change is brought to life for users in a playful way using the example of the Hanseatic city of Hamburg. Within a framework exhibition, people will be able to learn about climate change and engage with each other based on their experiences. Another goal is to create a platform for strengthening the exchange between the public, science, and climate protection actors. Klima-ACT! will initially be made available to users locally through cultural institutions, such as museums, but will also be accessible online, allowing it to grow beyond Hamburg.
In June 2024 Klima-ACT! was shown on site during the Textile Week Hamburg 2024. There will also be lectures and workshops on the topic.
Report on the XR Expo exhibition in Stuttgart on ARD Mittagsmagazin on April 4, 2024
Appearance on the Podcast Spread the Word by Hamburg Research Academy with Dr. Fenja De Silva-Schmidt.
Talk about the project during the PLAY - Creative Gaming Festival 2021
Promotional video about the an early version of the project from 2022
You may also have a look at the offical project websites of the HAW Hamburg and the BMBF - German Ministry for Education and Research