Hermosa Beach gave residents an intimate look at climate change — with virtual reality.
The city, with the help of virtual reality company Whitespace VR, delivered an immersive experience Wednesday, Feb 19, exploring the risks of flooding due to climate change and how climate action can make a difference in protecting the community.
The new initiative, “Look Ahead Hermosa Beach,” shows the impacts of sea level rise at the Hermosa Beach Pier, Pier Plaza and The Strand. The city and Whitespace VR launched the program, during the farmers market at the pier, in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey and nonprofit Climate Access.
“It’s a way to bring issues of climate change to a community level,” said Meredith Herr, Climate Access’ director of research and content. “It encourages residents to see not only the impacts but what the city is doing to prevent it and how folks can get involved.”
“Look Ahead Hermosa Beach” is part of the city’s efforts to certify a Local Coastal Program in coordination with the California Coastal Commission. Coastal access, recreational facilities and coastal hazards are among the policy areas the city must address to comply with the California Coastal Act.
The informative scenario that explored the Hermosa Beach coastline began with a 360 degree view of the shoreline as it currently is, with people swimming in the water and bystanders sipping coffee a few feet away. The second phase was a more submerged version of the strand, with sea levels nearly flooding the plaza. The last version of the shoreline was much shallower because of dunes and berms constructed by the city.
“It’s a pretty different kind of experience,” said Peter Lauretson after experiencing the simulation. “But even if this (VR headset) didn’t work, I still think it’s a great chance to start the conversation with people about climate change.”
Mayor Mary Campbell, after using the virtual reality headsets, said the city will have to “figure out hot to mitigate impacts and prepare.”
“It’s really special to be able to have this sophisticated virtual reality equipment,” Campbell said, “so we can draw some new attention to the crisis of climate change and what all cities need to do in order to prepare themselves as early as possible to mitigate any of the potential impacts on these beach cities.”
Herr, meanwhile, said the program will visit Manhattan Beach sometime in the spring or summer.
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