Meghan Hodges
Subnautica is an open-world underwater exploration game that has been praised for raising awareness about ocean pollution. The game's developer, Unknown Worlds Entertainment, has also contributed to ocean cleanup efforts by donating profits to The Ocean Cleanup foundation, which aims to remove plastic pollution from the oceans. In the game, players encounter radiation zones and must manage their infection levels, which has sparked discussions about preventing pollution and its impact on the ocean ecosystem and marine life. While some players suggest strategies for avoiding infection, others argue that it is inevitable due to the game's mechanics. Subnautica provides an opportunity to educate players about the importance of preserving the environment and addressing issues like plastic pollution, which aligns with the United Nations' designation of World Environment Day on June 5th.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nature of pollution | Plastic pollution |
| Aims | To develop and apply technologies to remove plastic pollution from the ocean and waste streams |
| Other aims | To increase social awareness of marine pollution by plastic |
| Radiation | A damaging effect in Subnautica surrounding the Aurora |
| Radiation suit | Can be crafted to negate all damage from radiation |
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What You'll Learn
Dispose of nuclear fuel rods properly
In Subnautica, Nuclear Reactors are the most powerful energy option, generating 250 power units per minute. They require Nuclear Reactor Rods, which are crafted using Uraninite Crystals. These Reactor Rods become depleted over time and must be replaced. At this point, they are still highly radioactive and must be disposed of properly.
To dispose of depleted Nuclear Reactor Rods, you must first remove them from the Nuclear Reactor. This can only be done once they are fully drained of energy, at which point their icon will change and they will become "Depleted" Reactor Rods. These cannot be placed in a standard trash can and must be discarded in a Nuclear Waste Disposal unit. The Nuclear Waste Disposal unit can be crafted using Titanium and built with the Habitat Builder. Once placed inside the unit, the depleted Reactor Rods will be safely destroyed.
It is important to note that Nuclear Reactors and Waste Disposal units must be unlocked by scanning wrecks and fragments found throughout the world. Additionally, exercise caution when handling these radioactive materials, as exposure may corrupt your PDA's recording of your death.
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Avoid eating fish
While Subnautica is a fictional game, the issues it raises about ocean pollution are very real. The game's developer, Unknown Worlds, has used the game to raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on our oceans and the need to develop technologies to remove this pollution on a large scale.
In the game, players can choose to avoid eating fish, which is interesting as it encourages a vegan diet, which is often considered a more environmentally friendly way of eating. By not eating fish, players can avoid potential infection, as the game suggests that players should not eat fish under any circumstances. This is supported by the fact that infection levels can be kept lower by avoiding the Disease Research Facility and the trigger of the glowy green spots.
Avoiding fish in the game also mirrors real-world efforts to reduce the impact of marine debris on marine wildlife species. Marine debris, of which plastic makes up 80%, poses a significant threat to the ecosystem, the health of marine life and humans, and global economies. By not contributing to the demand for fish products in the game, players can draw parallels with the real world and consider the impact of their dietary choices on the environment.
In addition to avoiding fish, players can also take other in-game actions to prevent pollution. For example, players can dispose of nuclear fuel rods properly to avoid area radiation, mirroring real-world concerns about the proper disposal of nuclear waste. Players can also explore sustainable food sources, such as plant-based options, which can be a fun and challenging aspect of gameplay while also raising awareness about the environmental impact of dietary choices.
Overall, by avoiding fish and considering other pollution prevention methods, players can engage with Subnautica's themes of environmental protection and explore more sustainable ways of interacting with the game world and, by extension, our own planet.
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Avoid radiation zones
In Subnautica, radiation is a damaging effect that surrounds the Aurora. As you enter the Radiation zone, a warning will appear on your HUD, and you will hear the noise of a Geiger counter. The player will gradually take damage from radiation exposure, and the screen will become fuzzy, green, and blurred as the player gets closer to the ship.
To avoid radiation damage, you can craft a Radiation Suit, which, when worn with a helmet and gloves, will negate all radiation damage. You can also repair the drive core breaches in the drive room with a Repair Tool, which will cause the Radiation zone to disappear completely after three days and ten hours, allowing you to explore the Aurora and the Crash Zone without the need for a Radiation Suit.
It is important to note that prior to the explosion of the Aurora, the Radiation zone will have a range of 675m from the point of origin. Following the explosion, the radius will grow over time to 950m.
Additionally, when exploring the Aurora, it is recommended to bring fire extinguishers and a Laser Cutter and Propulsion Cannon, along with the Repair Tool mentioned earlier.
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Develop tech to remove plastic pollution
Subnautica is an underwater exploration game that has partnered with Ocean Cleanup to raise awareness about plastic pollution in the ocean. Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit foundation that aims to develop and apply technologies to remove plastic pollution from the ocean on a large scale. To support this cause, Unknown Worlds, the developer of Subnautica, donated 15% of its profits from the game's sales during a special event to Ocean Cleanup.
In the game itself, there is an emphasis on raising awareness about pollution in the seas. Some players have suggested adding features such as recycling bins or the ability to reuse bottles to promote proper waste disposal and reduce plastic pollution. These suggestions align with the broader goal of developing technology to combat plastic pollution, as they encourage players to think about their actions and the potential environmental impact.
Developing technology to remove plastic pollution from the ocean is a crucial aspect of preserving marine ecosystems and ensuring the well-being of marine life, humans, and global economies. Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to marine wildlife, with 80% of marine debris comprising plastic that has impacted 600 marine species.
To effectively address plastic pollution, technology can be employed in two key ways: direct and indirect removal. Direct removal involves the development of innovative solutions, such as advanced filtration systems or robotic cleaners, that can extract plastic waste from the ocean. These technologies can range from large-scale machines to smaller, more manoeuvrable devices, each designed to efficiently capture and collect plastic pollution.
Indirect removal focuses on preventing plastic pollution from reaching the oceans in the first place. This involves creating and implementing technologies that target waste streams and improve waste management practices. For example, advanced recycling systems that can effectively break down plastics or technologies that facilitate better plastic waste collection and sorting can significantly reduce the amount of plastic entering marine environments.
By developing and utilising these technologies, we can make substantial progress in mitigating plastic pollution and protecting our oceans. It is important to remember that both direct and indirect removal methods are essential, as they address the current pollution and proactively prevent future pollution, respectively.
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Raise awareness of plastic pollution
To raise awareness of plastic pollution in Subnautica, the following steps can be taken:
Firstly, educate yourself and others about the issue. Spread awareness by sharing information about the impact of plastic pollution on marine life and the environment. This can be done through various platforms such as social media, community events, or educational initiatives. Organize or participate in campaigns, workshops, or beach clean-up drives to engage and involve others.
Secondly, support organizations working towards ocean conservation and plastic pollution reduction. Subnautica, for example, has partnered with non-profit organizations like Ocean Cleanup to address this very issue. By purchasing the game during their World Environment Day sale, players could contribute to the donation of 15% of Unknown Worlds' profits to Ocean Cleanup, aiding their efforts to remove plastic pollution from oceans and waste streams.
Additionally, advocate for sustainable alternatives and proper waste disposal within the game. Suggestions have been made to include recycling bins and reusable bottles in Subnautica, mirroring real-life actions that can reduce plastic pollution. These additions would not only raise awareness but also promote sustainable practices among players, encouraging them to adopt similar habits in their daily lives.
Lastly, reach out to local communities, schools, and government bodies to implement programs that address plastic pollution. By working together, we can amplify our efforts and create a more sustainable future. This could include organizing educational workshops, beach clean-up campaigns, or advocacy groups to influence policy changes that protect our oceans and reduce plastic waste.
By taking these steps, we can effectively raise awareness about plastic pollution, inspire action, and contribute to a cleaner and healthier marine environment, both in Subnautica and in the real world.
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Frequently asked questions
Subnautica has partnered with the Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit foundation that aims to develop and apply technologies to remove plastic pollution from oceans and waste streams to prevent it from reaching oceans.
By purchasing Subnautica during their World Environment Day sale, you helped Subnautica donate 15% of Unknown Worlds' profits from the sales to the Ocean Cleanup.
Marine debris, 80% of which is plastic, has been reported to impact 600 marine wildlife species. It accumulates in patches across the planet by way of ocean currents, waves, and wind, posing a significant threat to the ecosystem, the health of marine life and humans, and global economies.
Subnautica is an open-world underwater exploration and construction game that aims to raise awareness for pollution in our seas. Some players have suggested adding features such as recycling bins or reusable bottles to the game to further promote awareness.
Radiation is a damaging effect in Subnautica that surrounds the Aurora. To protect yourself, you can craft a Radiation Suit, which, when fully equipped with a helmet and gloves, negates all damage from radiation.
