Harnessing the power of citizen science to climate action

It’s a scenario that’s becoming all too familiar as climate-related hazards like flooding, heatwaves, and storms become more frequent and severe. 

But how do these hazards impact our daily lives, and what can we do about them?

In the sweltering heat of a summer's day, amidst the gridlocked streets and the haze of exhaust fumes, the reality of climate change hits home. It's a problem that demands urgent action, yet many feel powerless and overwhelmed by the scale of the problem.  

Fortunately, at this critical point in time, there are climate change projects out there that not only provide guidance but also inspire us to become active agents of change.
 
Enter I-CHANGE, an innovation action project launched in November 2021 with a bold mission: to demonstrate that citizen science initiatives can drive behavioral change among individuals. 

Over its 3.5-year lifespan, I-CHANGE aims to empower citizens to become active participants in combating climate change by fostering a deeper understanding of its impacts and promoting sustainable behaviors.

Many people think major breakthroughs in science only happen within the four walls of prestigious university laboratories. But that’s increasingly not the case. Sure, some do occur in labs, but another, equally significant, part takes place in the wider world—and you can be part of it. 

It’s all about seeing the world as a vast laboratory, teeming with opportunities for scientific exploration and innovation. In this dynamic landscape, Living Labs emerge as crucial hubs of experimentation, uniting researchers, citizens, businesses, and policymakers to test ideas in real-world settings.

The I-CHANGE project has put this idea into practice in six cities in Europe, one in Israel and one in Africa, addressing the different challenges posed by climate change in each area:

The I-CHANGE project has made significant strides in empowering citizens to participate in citizen science initiatives, with over 850 individuals attending its citizen science activities to date. 

Through these actions, both students and adults have been engaged to evaluate the social impacts, particularly the shifts in lifestyle towards sustainability, within the I-CHANGE Living Labs. The project's primary objective has been to gauge the influence of involved individuals in citizen science activities as catalysts for authentic transitions to sustainable behaviors.

These campaigns not only contribute valuable data for research but also foster a sense of community and shared purpose. With upcoming initiatives like a climate-focused board game and an “avoided footprint” app, there are countless opportunities for individuals to engage in the fight against climate change—at home, at work, and in their communities.

But knowledge alone isn't enough–we also need to process and know how to use information. In a world brimming with data, it's crucial to build platforms that help the public understand how their contribution to science translates into tangible tools to take charge of the matter.

That's precisely what "Citizen 4 Science" offers. It’s a dashboard that serves as a guide accessible to anyone, helping make sense of the data collected by citizen scientists.

Each theme in the dashboard reflects the issues affecting every community in the various Living Labs of I-CHANGE. How can we reduce pollution near schools? What can we do to shield ourselves from heat waves? How can we identify approaching storms and ensure the safety of our loved ones?

But not everything has to be so serious when it comes to driving change. Having fun with friends and family is another way to learn, which is why the "Citizen 4 Science" platform is developing a board game. Its main aim is "to collaboratively design a strategy for lowering temperatures and effectively reducing the risk of hazards.” Along the way, players can pool resources for climate change adaptation measures they collectively endorse.

As we march towards a future shaped by the climate emergency, we need to remember that each small step, each experiment conducted in our daily lives, brings us closer to creating a more sustainable and resilient world for generations ahead. 

Together, as citizen scientists, we wield the power to reshape our local and global landscapes to confront the environmental challenges ahead. And it's in our collaborative efforts, spanning from everyday individuals to decision-makers, authorities, and academia, where true transformation can flourish.