Look into the future … and then vote on it

Crystal ball gazing has long been part of what scientists do, whether it’s forecasting the weather or predicting long term climate change, but now researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) will be able to present people with highly realistic visions of what the future might look like and then ask them to vote on which one they prefer.

In a set up unique in the UK academic world, a state-of-the-art, purpose built virtual reality theatre has been installed at UEA, coupled to a ‘decision making laboratory’ where people will be able to take part in experiments to explain how and why humans make the environmental choices they do.

“Researchers have been using virtual reality for some time now, but what makes this facility unusual is its application in an environmental setting and the ability, having confronted people with different options, to then examine the reasons behind the choices they make,” said Dr Andrew Lovett, of UEA’s School of Environmental Sciences.

Stereo vision glasses and hand-held key pads for voting will be standard issue for visitors to the virtual reality theatre today (4 September) at the official opening of UEA’s new Zuckerman Institute for Connective Environmental Research, where the facility is housed.

At the opening, visitors will be able to see how future UK coastlines could be affected by climate change. Using an area of low-lying Norfolk coastline as a case study, a realistic fly-through projected on a 6.75m wide curved screen, shows how a section of the region may change under a number of different coastal management scenarios, for example the impact of building new sea defences.

One of the aims of the Zuckerman Institute for Connective Environmental Research is to address the environmental challenges facing us through much closer and more effective connections with business, policy makers and wider society. The virtual reality and decision making facilities will allow researchers to connect directly with stakeholders, such as local government planners or conservation groups; and will help make it easier for people to express their opinions, for example during planning consultations.

The Zuckerman Institute building, where the facilities are located, makes a striking statement itself about environmental sustainability, being one of the most energy efficient in Europe; making use of the technologies surrounding high thermal mass, natural ventilation, photovoltaic electricity and recycled construction materials.

The Institute is also the first physical symbol of recognition commemorating Lord Zuckerman, the Government’s first Chief Scientific Adviser and one of the founding fathers of the School of Environmental Sciences.

To mark its opening, UEA is hosting the third International Sustainability Days, a series of seminars, workshops, conferences and lectures addressing the challenge of sustainability.