Here's something super rad to rave about! The ClimateWatch App just came out in Australia - it is an initiative by EarthWatch to get citizens involved with observing and tracking various ClimateWatch species by recording seasonal behaviours. The point is scientists are limited in what they can observe so mass observations and survey results recorded by local populations ("citizen scientists") are really important. Once these mass observations and results are received, scientists can better predict what is happening in the environment and what is happening with regards to climate change. Some examples are plants or animals that are appearing in locations which they are not normally found or plants starting to bloom earlier than usual in the season. These are all significant climate change issues and mass recordings are able to help scientists recognize these changes. The App is a great way for citizen scientists to record on the go!
I think this App is wonderful and it is especially important to me because while I was working for EarthWatch in Melbourne there were lots of talk about launching a ClimateWatch App. I got the opportunity to contribute to ClimateWatch, update their website pages and launch their recording system on the internet. This is why I hold this program so close to my heart - I have seen the results of ClimateWatch and have spoken to the various scientists who have benefited from it. I think this is a huge step and through word-of-mouth, mass marketing and promotion of this App, I really think it will help make a difference in climate change research. I'm so extremely proud of Earthwatch for launching this! What a wonderful organization! Click here for the App and don't forget to check out the ClimateWatch website here! Happy recording! xo