How virtual reality helps young people to truly understand climate change

For many Dutch school pupils, climate change is an abstract concept. They know it exists and are concerned about it, but they hardly feel its effects in their daily lives. The dykes keep the water out; life goes on. It is precisely this distance that makes it difficult to empathise with people who are confronted with the consequences of climate change on a daily basis.

^{Text: Djoeke Bakker}

PhD candidate Marit Boekema is investigating how this can be changed. In her research she examines how virtual reality can contribute to climate citizenship in secondary education. She wants to help pupils learn to understand other people’s perspectives and reflect on their own role in a changing world.

'At its core, my research is about sustainability education,' says Boekema. 'The central question is how we can teach young people to adopt the perspective of people who are confronted with climate change on a daily basis worldwide. Climate change affects people, animals and ecosystems worldwide, but the consequences are not distributed fairly.

In her research, Boekema uses virtual reality. Pupils put on VR glasses and are transported to vulnerable areas, such as small islands facing sea-level rise. They see how people there live, reside and cope with changes in their environment.

For Boekema, her research is already valuable. 'I am in close contact with schools and teachers who really want to get to grips with this. If this research gives them tools and gets young people thinking, then it’s worthwhile.' 'Ultimately, it’s about working together towards a world that remains liveable. If this research contributes to raising awareness, sparking conversations and bringing about small changes, then that is hugely valuable.'

Ubbo Emmius Fund

This research is made possible by the Ubbo Emmius Fund. The fund encourages young talent to contribute ideas on solutions to urgent social issues and helps to translate insights from research into practice. By becoming a Friend or Supporter, you too can contribute to research at the University of Groningen. Curious? Read more.

A longer article on Boekema's research can be found on the Ubbo Emmius Fund website.