On April 28th, the I-CHANGE project will take part in the final scientific event at the EGU (European Geosciences Union) conference in Vienna. As part of our commitment to participatory science, we will also contribute to the EGU session on “Engaging Citizens in Understanding Urban Climate and Climate Change Risks through Participatory Science“. This session will be a key opportunity to highlight the role of citizen science in tackling climate change. By involving communities in data collection and environmental monitoring, we can promote more sustainable behaviors to mitigate climate change risks.
The session session on “Engaging Citizens in Understanding Urban Climate and Climate Change Risks through Participatory Science” will focus on the contribution of urban areas to climate change and their vulnerability. With rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and increasingly variable temperatures, cities face significant challenges that threaten critical infrastructure and quality of life.
Through the active involvement of citizens within the I-CHANGE activities, valuable data on climate, health, and air quality has been collected, improving the understanding of climate risks and strengthening adaptation strategies. With simple and accessible tools, citizens can help monitor the environment, while stakeholders and communities provide unique perspectives on local vulnerabilities. Additionally, unconventional data sources enrich the available knowledge, enabling a more effective response to climate change. This participatory approach not only raises awareness but also inspires more responsible behaviors and concrete actions for sustainability.
Therefore, the session encourages project partners and all researchers working on this topic to share their experiences with citizen science or improved monitoring using these data. It is evident that the role of citizen science is crucial in Europe’s climate adaptation strategies.