The Role of the Metaverse in Addressing the Consequences of Climate Change to Enhance Urban Resilience

Climate change, regarded as one of the most fundamental global challenges of our time, exerts profound effects on the environment and urban structures. These impacts are exacerbated by population growth and the concentration of economic activities in cities. This article aims to explore the role of metaverse technology in enhancing urban resilience against the consequences of climate change, while presenting actionable solutions to address these challenges. The research employs a descriptive-analytical method, utilizing content analysis of prior studies, with information gathered through library research and searches on reputable websites. The findings reveal that the primary challenges posed by climate change can be categorized into four areas: 1) water scarcity and drought crisis, 2) emergence of heat islands, 3) occurrences of flooding, and 4) dust storm events. The metaverse, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), presents significant potential for offering operational solutions in these domains. Among these solutions are the simulation of climate change effects, such as flooding and drought, in digital environments; the reduction of physical travel need through the replacement of events and meetings with virtual alternatives; interactive citizen education regarding climate crises; and intelligent management of resources (water, energy, and waste). Moreover, the metaverse facilitates the creation of digital twin cities, enabling the testing of climate adaptation scenarios prior to physical implementation. However, challenges such as high energy consumption of servers, digital divides, and dependence on complex technologies require special attention. The results of this study emphasize that while the metaverse cannot completely replace physical interventions, it can serve as a complementary tool that, when integrated with sustainable policies and the use of renewable energy, can assist cities in transitioning towards a resilient and low-carbon future. This study recommends that urban planners and policymakers creatively exploit the metaverse to effectively address technical and social challenges while taking significant steps to combat climate change.