Climate VR
Climate Change Here and Now - Effects of Immersive VR on Psychological Distance towards climate change
Research by Tsur Mishal Doctoral researcher
Abstract
Israel is considered a “Hotspot” in terms of the effects of climate change. Projections show that Israel will experience longer and hotter heat waves. During the winter, compound flooding are expected, a combination of heavy precipitation and strong storm surge in coastal areas. Policies which can reduce the adverse effects of climate change are at hand, but they are currently not fully implemented. Psychological barriers are affecting the way in which we tackle climate change. One of these mechanisms is “Phycological distance” in which our brain constructs and reacts differently to events perceived as close or distant to us- either temporally, geographically or socially. Events which are perceived as distant, receive less attention and urgency then those perceived as proximal.
My Contribute
As an XR Specialist at the climate change research project conducted by Tel Aviv University’s Immersive Media and Cognition group at the Sagol Brain Institute at Ichilov Hospital. We investigated how the embodiment of VR influences both the psychological distance from climate change issues and the willingness to take action about them. Neuro-feedback data was collected from participants performing game simulations. My work was on developing and designing VR simulations via Unity. I led a team of designers and developers to characterize the technical aspects of the product, write the storyline and present the research to stakeholders.
“Mr. Rozen not only diligently performed various tasks as a Unity Specialist, but was also involved in the experimental work, navigating our complex technology, and facilitating integration with the startup company AR51.”
— Gal Raz (PhD), Head of the Immersive Media & Cognition Group