How can we mitigate climate change with VR and AR?

• Virtual reality and augmented reality are becoming increasingly popular in a wide range of industries, including entertainment, education, and healthcare.
• In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using immersive technologies to address the issue of climate change.
• It is important to talk more often about the fact that new technologies do not have to only contribute to climate change, but can mitigate it when used appropriately.

We must act for the planet before it is too late

By creating interactive educational experiences, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging policy change, VR and AR can help raise awareness and inspire action to reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment for future generations.

That is why our company is constantly looking for opportunities to show people from the world of environmental education the positive impact of modern technologies on our lives and the whole earth. Our ecological activity was noticed during the EAZA Conference; every year, ecological institutions host a conference to bring together professionals from around the globe to share ideas and discuss current issues facing various industries. This year, the conference was held in the beautiful city of Wrocław in Poland, and one of the most exciting presentations was given by Aleksandra Szlacheta and Paulina Sroka-Kopeć from Giant Lazer on immersive technologies like VR and AR.

The ecological applications in the field of virtual reality

Initially, Giant Lazer’s representation explained the differences between two immersive technologies – virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).

Next, we showcased the activities of our company which specializes in creating immersive applications that can be used to create more opportunities to protect the environment. These included Trash Rage VR, which allows users to experience the impact of littering and recycling on the environment; Planet Stories AR, which provides an interactive way to learn about ocean pollution, marine ecosystems, and animal species; Heat Bash VR, which shows users the impact of global warming and fossil fuels on the environment; and Trip to The Forest VR, which allows users to experience the beauty and complexity of a forest ecosystem.

Live VR applications presentation

Aleksandra Szlacheta was joined on stage by Paulina Sroka-Kopeć to showcase a virtual application live on stage. This was an incredible opportunity for attendees to see the functionality of VR in practice.

Our presentation highlighted the importance of immersive technologies in environmental education. VR and AR applications can provide a unique and engaging way to educate people about the impact of human activities on the environment. They allow users to experience the effects of climate change and pollution in an impossible way through traditional educational methods. This can lead to increased awareness and action and, ultimately, a better future for our planet.

The future of the whole earth is in our hands

After the presentation, our two representatives, offstage, showed interested people how virtual and augmented reality works. They had a chance to use our applications from the perspective of not only a viewer but also an active participant. Thanks to that, they could clean the ocean, save its inhabitants, and see how a post-apocalyptic earth may look like if we do not adequately recycle and reduce the amount of waste.

By showcasing the activities of VR / AR  and a range of immersive tools, we demonstrated how new technologies engage young and older in a more immersive and interactive learning experience. With our applications, students and other users can explore the fauna and flora world wherever they want – home, classroom, and work. Overall, the presentation was a valuable contribution to the conference, and it provided attendees with a unique and engaging insight into the future of virtual and augmented reality.