Enhancing Climate Change Risk Perception Through Virtual Reality: A Case Study in Galveston, Texas

Abstract Submission: Climate change poses increasing threats to coastal cities like Galveston, Texas, yet public perceptions of these risks remain low, undermining efforts to build resilience against future disasters. This study leverages Virtual Reality (VR) simulations of severe flooding scenarios to enhance public awareness of climate change risks and promote proactive adaptive behaviors. Through a modified public goods game, participants were divided into two groups: one experiencing immersive VR flood simulations, and the other receiving informational content via charts and diagrams. Results indicate that participants exposed to the VR scenarios, particularly in the initial stages, demonstrated heightened climate change awareness and contributed significantly more to adaptation funds compared to the control group. Education levels also played a key role, with higher-educated participants contributing more to climate change mitigation efforts. This study highlights the effectiveness of VR in bridging the gap between abstract climate risks and tangible public responses, suggesting that immersive technologies can be powerful tools in shaping climate change communication strategies. These findings offer valuable insights for both policymakers and educators seeking to engage the public in climate resilience efforts.

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