Immersive technologies for climate resiliency: a study of bushfire prone communities

Bushfires pose a significant threat to communities in vulnerable regions, and this threat may be accelerated by climate change and increasing environmental instability. While many existing resources exist to communicate the risk of bushfires and promote preparedness, most rely on traditional communication methods such as websites and brochures. However, the integration of advanced communication technologies in promoting bushfire risk mitigation and resilience is now emerging. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential of advanced communication technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), to enhance community engagement and education around bushfire resiliency through immersive experiences. This paper presents a systematic literature review into the adoption of VR and AR technologies to improve bushfire preparedness internationally and in Australia. The findings from this paper aim to highlight the current gaps in VR and AR integration in current communication tools for bushfire preparedness. Additionally, the study identifies specific immersive technologies with the potential to transform traditional approaches for bushfire education and community engagement. This paper is part of a broader research project funded by the Australian Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program.