Once Upon A Future is an immersive virtual reality experience allowing users to envision New York City in 2075 under two scenarios: “Too Little, Too Late” and “A Giant Leap.” The former depicts a future plagued by severe climate impacts, including extreme heat, health risks, and economic inequality. In contrast, “A Giant Leap” showcases a proactive approach where rapid emission reductions and systemic changes lead to a healthier, more equitable society. The project encourages collective action towards sustainable urban living and addresses important global challenges like climate change and inequality, inviting participants to engage with the future through an installation at Gantry State Park.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immersive Future Experiences | Virtual reality experiences that allow exploration of potential futures. | From passive consumption of media to active participation in immersive futures. | In 10 years, immersive technologies may become mainstream for education, planning, and societal engagement. | Advancements in VR technology and a growing interest in future scenarios drive this trend. | 4 |
| Holistic Approaches to Climate Action | Integrating economy, energy, food systems, and social issues in climate strategies. | Shift from siloed climate policies to comprehensive, interconnected solutions. | A decade from now, cities may prioritize holistic sustainability, balancing economic and ecological needs. | The urgent need to address multiple crises simultaneously drives this integrated approach. | 5 |
| Increased Urban Resilience | Cities focusing on resilience to climate impacts and social inequalities. | Transition from reactive disaster responses to proactive resilience-building measures. | By 2035, urban areas may implement extensive resilience frameworks to withstand climate shocks. | Climate change awareness and urbanization pressures necessitate enhanced resilience strategies. | 5 |
| Social Media Engagement in Future Planning | Utilizing social media to engage public in future envisioning activities. | From traditional public consultations to dynamic, online participatory planning. | In 10 years, social media could be a primary tool for gathering public input on urban futures. | The rise of social media as a communication tool encourages public participation in planning. | 3 |
| Focus on Health and Wellbeing in Urban Planning | Prioritizing health outcomes in the design of urban environments. | Shift from purely economic metrics to health-centric urban development. | Future cities may integrate health and wellbeing metrics into all planning processes. | Growing awareness of the link between environment and public health drives this focus. | 4 |
| Gender Equality in Climate Action | Recognition of gender disparities in climate vulnerability and responses. | From gender-blind policies to inclusive strategies that address specific needs. | In a decade, gender considerations may be standard in climate policy and urban planning. | Advocacy for social justice and equitable solutions in climate action pushes this change. | 4 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Severe Climate Impacts | Failure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could lead to extreme heat, health risks, and agricultural decline by 2075. | 5 |
| Increased Health Risks | Rising temperatures may significantly raise death rates among vulnerable populations, including those with health issues and the elderly. | 4 |
| Economic Inequality | Continuing current trajectories could lead to wider economic gaps and exacerbated gender inequality in response to climate crises. | 5 |
| Food Insecurity | Agricultural impacts from climate change could result in less food availability and higher prices, creating food insecurity, especially for the vulnerable. | 4 |
| Resilience of Urban Areas | Without proactive measures, cities may fail to evolve and adapt to climate-related challenges, risking their livability. | 5 |
| Biodiversity Loss | If emissions are not controlled, the decline in biodiversity could become a critical issue affecting ecosystems and human well-being. | 4 |
| Need for Holistic Solutions | Addressing only climate or economic issues separately will not suffice; multifaceted crises require interconnected solutions. | 5 |
| Delayed Action Consequences | Waiting too long to implement changes could lead to irreversible impacts on climate and society by 2075. | 5 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Future Scenario Exploration | Engaging in immersive experiences to explore potential futures and their implications for society and the environment. | 5 |
| Social Media Engagement | Encouraging sharing experiences and impressions on social media to foster community discussion and awareness. | 4 |
| Holistic Problem Solving | Addressing interconnected issues like climate change, inequality, and health through integrated solutions. | 5 |
| Urban Resilience Building | Prioritizing actions that enhance urban resilience against climate impacts and social inequalities. | 5 |
| Collective Action for Change | Mobilizing communities to take collective action towards sustainable and equitable futures. | 5 |
| Reimagining Economic Systems | Exploring new economic frameworks that prioritize people and the planet over profit. | 4 |
| Health and Diet Improvement Initiatives | Promoting healthier diets and lifestyles in the context of environmental sustainability. | 4 |
| Educating on Climate Impact | Raising awareness about the consequences of climate inaction and the importance of immediate action. | 5 |
| Adaptation to Climate Change | Developing strategies and infrastructures to adapt to ongoing and future climate changes. | 5 |
| Gender and Climate Action | Recognizing and addressing the gender disparities exacerbated by climate change. | 4 |
| description | relevancy | src |
|---|---|---|
| An engaging experience allowing users to explore future scenarios and urban environments in a simulated setting. | 5 | decd2991c2418a441fec2dec0dd33279 |
| A strategy that integrates economic, environmental, and social systems to combat climate change and inequality. | 5 | decd2991c2418a441fec2dec0dd33279 |
| Tools that provide real-time data on environmental and social metrics to guide decision-making. | 4 | decd2991c2418a441fec2dec0dd33279 |
| Innovative methods to grow food sustainably within urban settings, addressing food security and climate challenges. | 5 | decd2991c2418a441fec2dec0dd33279 |
| Building designs and urban planning that withstand climate impacts while promoting sustainability. | 5 | decd2991c2418a441fec2dec0dd33279 |
| Economic models that prioritize reducing inequality and enhancing access to resources for marginalized populations. | 4 | decd2991c2418a441fec2dec0dd33279 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Change Resilience | The need for urban areas to adapt to and mitigate climate change impacts through innovative practices and policies. | 5 |
| Food Security and Sustainability | Ensuring access to affordable, healthy food amidst climate challenges and economic inequalities. | 4 |
| Economic Inequality and Social Justice | Addressing the growing economic disparities and promoting equitable opportunities in the face of climate crises. | 4 |
| Gender Inequality in Climate Action | Recognizing and addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and marginalized groups. | 4 |
| Health Risks from Climate Change | Increasing health risks due to extreme weather conditions, particularly for vulnerable populations. | 5 |
| Urban Planning and Infrastructure | The need for reimagined urban designs that prioritize sustainability and resilience to climate impacts. | 4 |
| Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration | The importance of maintaining biodiversity and restoring ecosystems to combat climate change effects. | 4 |