The First Metaverse Climate Newspaper in the Arab World Launched at COP28.
COP28 climate conference witnessed the launch of “1.5,” a newspaper focused on climate and environmental issues in the metaverse.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to highlight the consequences of climate change and its impact on the environment.
Which made it the first specialized newspaper of its kind in the Arab world and the Middle East and North Africa region.
The aims of the Arab First Metaverse Climate Newspaper “1.5”
Khaled Ammar, the newspaper’s founder and a specialist in virtual media affairs, shared the details of launch on the sidelines of his participation in COP28.
The newspaper, which operates from within Expo Dubai, combines virtual reality, metaverse, and artificial intelligence technologies.
And it is launched in collaboration with the participation of a group of Egyptian journalists.
Ammar, who also serves as an advisor to the International Journalists Network in Washington, explained the idea behind “One Point Five”.
Which is to keep pace with the rapid technological development in the metaverse.
While also contributing to the reduction of environmental impact through the use of virtual media.
He further elaborated that the newspaper consists of a virtual studio, newsroom, meeting and lecture hall, and training center.
These virtual spaces enable the team to showcase realistic models of nature.
In addition to allowing people to virtually visit reserves and forests.
Thereby minimizing their physical presence and reducing the environmental footprint.
#COP28 is one of the most successful conferences of the parties and we are optimistic about its final outcomes pic.twitter.com/weoQXI3jwF
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) December 11, 2023
Training program by the Metaverse Newspaper “1.5”
Ammar highlighted the three-month training program offered by the newspaper’s training center for students and journalists.
This program equips participants with the skills to produce virtual content about natural reserves, oceans, tropical forests, and space.
Trainees virtually visit these locations to conduct interviews.
And also to organize virtual tours with climate experts to raise awareness about the importance of these environments and how to protect them.
He emphasized that achieving the goals of Paris Agreement.
In addition to preventing the global temperature rise from exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius requires launching numerous initiatives leveraging technological advancements.
Such as artificial intelligence and the metaverse.
Ammar believes that using metaverse technologies can help mitigate the phenomenon of global warming.
And also can contribute to temperature decline, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower energy consumption.
This can be achieved by relying more heavily on the virtual features of the metaverse, enabling remote communication and field visits.
As well as remote work without the need for transportation or flights.
The launch of the newspaper took place at the “Extreme Hang Out” pavilion, a global platform dedicated to climate action events since 2021.
Several specialists from Britain, Denmark, Spain, Argentina, the United States, Egypt, South Africa, Lebanon, Sudan, and Tunisia participated in the launch ceremony.
Significance of Launching “1.5” Newspaper
The launch of the “1.5” newspaper holds significant value for several reasons:
- First of its kind: It is the first climate newspaper in the Arab world and the MENA region.
Which is boosting awareness of climate and environmental issues in this area. - Leveraging the Metaverse: By utilizing metaverse technology, it provides an impactful platform to highlight the consequences of climate change.
- Reducing Environmental Burden: It contributes to the reduction of environmental burden.
This is through virtual representations of nature that can be explored remotely.
#UAE: Extensive efforts in leading climate action during #COP28 pic.twitter.com/6Pw5wGHfYB
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) December 11, 2023
Future Prospects for “1.5” Newspaper
In fact, the “1.5” newspaper is expected to play a significant role in raising awareness about climate issues in the Arab world.
Additionally, it has the potential to contribute to the development and application of metaverse technologies in the field of environmental media.
Here are some potential future prospects for the newspaper:
- Expanded Coverage: The newspaper can expand its coverage to encompass more environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity, and pollution.
- Print Edition: Launching a print edition of the newspaper could further increase its reach and impact on a broader audience.
- Collaboration: Collaborating with other institutions dedicated to climate and environmental issues can strengthen the newspaper’s positive influence and amplify its message.
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