Get Involved
Getting involved with ClimateWatch
ClimateWatch allows ordinary Australians to get hands-on in the science of understanding climate change by merely observing nature either from their own backyard, while bushwalking or at school.
As a ‘citizen scientist’ you will observe the timing of natural events (the study of phenology), such as the budding of flowers, falling of leaves and the appearance of migratory birds.
The program is in its final stages of development and will commence its two year trial period in early 2009. You can get involved now by registering as a ClimateWatcher – we will send you newsletters to keep you up to date with ClimateWatch and when you can start submitting observations to the website.
The first project of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, ClimateWatch has the potential to provide the basis for understanding the response of Australian biological systems to climate change and inspire a generation of ‘citizen scientists’.
Biologists predict that over a million species are threatened with extinction as a result of climate change. Changes to Australia’s biological systems may also impact forestry, food production and the availability of water.
Community groups, schools and individuals are encouraged to get involved by observing ClimateWatch plant and animal indicators and submitting these records to a central database. Register as a ClimateWatcher today!
The information you collect will then be used to assist scientists, policy makers and land managers to understand and take appropriate measures to deal with climate change impacts.