Climate Change in Fiji 'Our Home Our People'

Fiji has used 360° Virtual Reality (VR) as a key part of its global push for stronger action on climate change at this weeks COP23 Climate Change conference which starts today.

As part of its Presidency of COP23 in Bonn, Germany, the Fijian Government will launch an immersive VR experience called Our Home, Our People that aims to transport delegates, decision-makers and the global community to Fiji to experience the current and future impacts of climate change on the Pacific and particularly those rebuilding from last year's devastating Category 5 Tropical Cyclone Winston.

One of the characters in the film - a young girl named Catalina - is from Vunisavisavi a remote coastal community in Fiji’s Vanua Levu province which has already seen significant relocation due to the impacts of rising sea levels during the shooting of the film. 

The aim of the Our Home, Our People VR project is to give audiences – both world leaders, decision-makers at COP23 in Bonn, and people across the world – the chance to see, experience and understand the impact of climate change on Fiji and our Pacific people, and why we are calling for stronger action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increased investment in climate adaptation.

‘Vei lomani’ is a Fijian expression meaning ‘love in action’, and it is a value at the heart of Fijian life. And it is in the spirit of ‘Vei lomani’ that Fijians are coming together to respond to the impacts of climate change. Experience the story of Catalina, Rai, Asmita and Rupeni in 360° VR, and explore more at www.ourhomeourpeople.com. ‘Our Home, Our People’ is best viewed with a VR headset and headphones.