Summary of Approach
We built a virtual reality game where players seed polyps to nurture coral resilience in the ocean as a parallel to building community in the face of climate gentrification.

We hope to educate and inspire players through ocean (re)connection, empathetic listening, and considering meaningful action. We are inspired by a North Star sentiment from the proverb: “A society grows great when people plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit”

Subject-Matter/Problem Background
It is the year 2050, and the planet we call home has gotten a little deeper than we were prepared for. Humankind has been drowning in a sea of (mis)information and making choices that have drastically changed our environment. Can we learn to listen closely to our ancestors and seed brighter futures for those that will follow?

Memories, culture and placefulness built over a long period of time can be destroyed in an instant. How might we consider lessons learned from nurturing coral reefs as a parallel to building communities in the face of climate gentrification?

XR Platform
Oculus Quest, HTC Vive (coming soon?)

Project Presentation
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vSb1oIHtvIOWKeWO9FKQPLXn41zkXNqi_q5FJPP6cZLSST6Tz1_5zJ0nKfbCvKZfDHy8U9hvLXtASTZ/pub?start=true&loop=true&delayms=30000&slide=id.g13beafda0e1_0_0

Research or Subject-Matter References
https://www.biographic.com/spawning-an-intervention/
https://www.biographic.com/a-cure-for-coral-reefs/
https://globalresilience.northeastern.edu/climate-gentrification-why-we-need-to-consider-social-justice-in-climate-change-planning/
https://asknature.org/strategy/refugia-for-great-barrier-reef-improve-disaster-recovery/
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/369437756/b6e92b0ab5/privacy

Full Credits for all of the Team Members and Contributors
Team 2 🌊 Suns of Beaches:
Katja Esson (SME)
Leon Wang (SME)
Michael Matsakis (Audio)
Paige Dansinger (Env Artist)
Rea Goldson (Env Artist)
Roman Sharf (Developer)