The Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH) and the Region of Blekinge teamed up to reveal four immersive digital experiences and an inventive serious game all focused on the pressing issues of rising sea levels and water scarcity during a climate innovation conference in the Swedish Region, part of the RESIST Project.
Around 70 participants from the public and private sector gathered for the annual climate conference in Blekinge on 30 May 2024.
This year, the talk addressed crucial questions: How do we adapt to climate change? And how can modern technology support informed decision-making? An estimated 2,000 residents as well as essential infrastructure in central Karlskrona, the capital of Blekinge Country, are at risk of being partially or wholly submerged by flooding due to rising sea levels, according to data from the County Administrative Board of Blekinge.
The Pop-up Climate Tech Tour, launched by Region Blekinge and BTH, aims to raise awareness of climate risks among citizens and to support local authorities in planning and designing climate adaptation solutions.
The Tour, developed by mechanical engineering students from BTH, features four examples that demonstrate how immersive technologies can communicate climate mitigation and adaptation work in an engaging and memorable manner.
The “80 Years (of Water Rising) in 80 Seconds” game is crafted as a fast-paced VR experience for users to grasp the concept of sea level rise. Similar to an escape-room adventure, players must act swiftly, with just over a minute to activate water retention barriers and prevent the flooding of the Naval Museum of Karlskrona — a worst-case scenario prediction for 2100.
“It’s such an immersive experience standing submerged in water where I usually walk. Being able to activate the simulated outer water protection barriers makes the shoreline reappear. A brilliant decision support tool that helps to fully understand the effects of climate change,” said Johan Nilsson, project manager at Region of Blekinge.
Two demonstrations showcased a modern vision of a coastal defence line inspired by Karlskrona’s original 1683 fortification plan. The first demo utilises Virtual Reality (VR), allowing participants to virtually walk along the proposed fortification, highlighting its functional, cultural, and recreational value.
The second one illustrates how Augmented Reality can enhance analogue media, enabling participants to explore detailed aspects of alternative fortification designs by hovering a tablet over a map printed in a newspaper. In the same spirit, a final demo showed the application of Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies and Digital Twins in monitoring and conserving buildings of significant cultural heritage.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the region is facing pressing challenges from decreasing groundwater levels. BTH researchers presented a simulation model and a VR environment aimed at educating decision-makers and citizens about ground water scarcity. Utilizing data from current reservoir levels and weather forecasts, these tools aim to minimise the occurrence of days with water restrictions.
“Immersive technologies are a game changer for gathering valuable local knowledge and insights about the specific needs of our community, so to design more relevant and effective solutions,” says BTH Professor Marco Bertoni.