GAMERS in the West Midlands are being invited to explore an immersive online experience from the RSPCA which considers what life might be like for animals in 2050.
From robot pets and nature retreats only accessible by the rich, to lab-grown meat and artificial intelligence allowing humans to communicate with animals, Animal Futures brings to life five possible futures for animal welfare in the West Midlands; and explores the consequences – for animals, people and the wider planet.
The experience, produced by creative digital agency Unseen Studio, launches the charity’s new Animal Futures Project and is based on groundbreaking research commissioned by the RSPCA.
Players are invited to explore the five scenarios and consider their role in changing the world for animals today, to create a better future for them and us.
The RSPCA warns that “chilling” futures could lie ahead for animals, and ourselves, unless we act now – but that people in the West Midlands have the potential to make a difference.
RSPCA chief executive, Chris Sherwood, said: “We need to rethink our relationship with animals – whether that be in the West Midlands, across the country, or the wider world.
“Some of these worlds may seem bleak, or even downright chilling – the good news is that animals’ futures are in our hands.
“But time is running out. Many of the scenarios explored are already happening now.
“But we are also seeing opportunities: lab-grown meat has recently been licensed for pet food in the UK; there are scientists using AI to decode the communication of animals from cats and pigs to sperm whales; and we are growing organs on microchips to replace animal testing. Technology could help us solve some of the most pressing animal welfare issues of our time, if we can only harness it for good.
“So we want to invite everyone across the West Midlands to explore Animal Futures and find out how the choices they make today could build a better world for animals – and us – tomorrow.”
People are asked to choose an animal companion as their character – a fox, dog or cow – to guide them through the five worlds in 2050.
The worlds are:
- Tech-centric: Technology has been harnessed to tackle climate change and feeding ourselves, but sadly nature and animals have had to come second place
- Eco carnage: Climate change has made lots of land uninhabitable, for both people and animals, and as humans struggle for survival, animal welfare is forgotten.
- Blinkered world: Attempts to tackle climate change and food production haven’t been ambitious enough, which means a mixed picture for animals and people alike.
- One Planet: The big challenges facing people have been tackled in a way that protects animal wellbeing and nature, recognising our futures are interlinked.
- Animals speak up: An amazing event has completely changed our attitudes towards animals and we have transformed the way we think, feel and act towards them.
The online experience is based on a report from futures agency Firetail, commissioned by the RSPCA, which analyses scientific evidence, emerging trends and interviews stakeholders from across the animal sector, and related sectors like climate change and alternative proteins, as well as thought leaders and influencers, to shape their findings. It is the first of its kind for animal welfare.
The online experience is the first step in the project, and users will be invited to sign up to participate in the next stage – a national consultation about attitudes to animal welfare launching later this year to help shape the next steps we need to take for a better future for all animals.
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