ABC Launches Online Alternate Reality Drama 'Bluebird AR' Against Backdrop Of Climate Change

April 27, 2010 11:20

The ABC has launched 'Bluebird AR', an online alternate reality drama exploring the contentious issues of geoengineering, whistle-blowing and philanthrocapitalism.

'Bluebird AR' is an interactive alternate reality story, set against a backdrop of real world possibilities, centring on the experimental science of geoengineering – the deliberate manipulation of the Earth’s atmosphere to counteract climate change.

Young scientist Kyle Vandercamp has been employed by billionaire philanthropist Harrison Wyld to work on Bluebird, a geoengineering research project. Kyle suspects that his research may be used for other means so becomes a whistleblower, turning to the online community to help unlock secret Bluebird project files.

The central theme of geoengineering will again bring into focus the ABC’s coverage of the climate change debate in Australia. This contentious and emerging form of science was chosen as the theme for 'Bluebird AR' as it is not often considered by the public nor covered by the media. 'Bluebird AR' presents an opportunity to explore the ethical, geopolitical and environmental issues around geoengineering and the broader environmental debate through a fictional scenario, while inviting the audience to participate in the discussion.

While the 'Bluebird AR' story is fictional, the science upon which it is based is factual. US atmospheric scientist Ken Caldiera (Carnegie Institution for Science), Canadian environmental scientist David Keith (University of Calgary) and US futurist Jamais Cascio (author of 'Hacking the Earth: Understanding the Consequences of Geoengineering') provided advice on the geoengineering science in the story.

Find out more at abc.net.au/bluebird.

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