What is ClimateWatch?
ClimateWatch was developed in order to understand the effects that climate change is having on Australia's plants and animals.
ClimateWatch aims to create a leading online database for environmental scientists studying the effects of climate change. It will be created from data entered by you and other volunteer observers all around the country who will record their observations and then enter them into this ClimateWatch website.
By observing 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 data you collect and record will help shape the country's scientific response to climate change.
Climate change is affecting rainfall and temperature across Australia. As a consequence, flowering times, breeding cycles and migration movements are also changing. Scientists have very little data available to understand the impacts of this. You can help.
What will I be doing?
By registering to become a ClimateWatcher, you'll be helping scientists find out what seasonal variations are occurring in Australia. As a ‘citizen scientist' you will observe the timing of natural events (the study of phenology) and make recordings of your observation.
Your task will be to unlock natures' secrets and observe what plants and animals are getting up to; things like when frogs call, birds migrate and plants flower.
As 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’. ClimateWatch will get community groups, schools and individuals involved. YOU can develop an understanding of climate change and watch and record the natural processes right in your backyard. YOU will help scientists answer the question: "how are our animals, plants and ecosystems responding to climate change?"
Who runs it?
Earthwatch Australia, in partnership with the Bureau of Meteorology, the University of Melbourne and Land & Water Australia, has developed ClimateWatch to assist scientists, policy makers and land managers to gather, store and analyse the vast amount of data needed to understand climate change impacts with help from the general public.