Testing a new time-traveling VR experience that explores sea level rise in Seattle (from Geekwire)

Read the full article by Lisa Siffler on Geekwire to learn more about the impacts that VR can have on our understanding and connection to the world around us, past ecological landscapes, and how that might impact the ways we interact with our surroundings in the future. Start reading below…


“This special series focuses on important community issues, innovative solutions to societal challenges, and people and non-profit groups making an impact through technology.

The Seattle Public Library and the University of Washington have created a virtual reality experience for teens and families that explores climate change and its impacts on sea level rise in Seattle’s industrialized Duwamish River and South Park neighborhood.

“We want to reclaim the idea of the Duwamish River as it was before, and bring awareness about how it has changed and what the coastline will look like in the future,” said Juan Rubio, SPL’s digital media and learning program manager.

SPL was eager to use technology to engage teens who may have grown weary of online instruction over COVID-19. Researchers with the UW Climate Impacts Group were excited to make rising sea levels more tangible.

“VR allows us to give people an experience that we couldn’t otherwise give since we’re looking toward the future,” said project leader Heidi Roop, who began the effort at the UW and is now at the University of Minnesota.

Continue reading…

By Meaghan Wood (She/Her)
Meaghan Wood (She/Her) Career Coach