The Open Data Climate Action Challenge 2022

About the Challenge  

The Open Data Climate Action Challenge launched in April of this year, seeking ideas and applications that use open data to support and encourage climate action. Seven shortlisted projects were given two months to develop tools, dashboards, analyses and applications which address the climate crisis in some shape or form. All projects use data published on Ireland’s National and/ or Dublin Region open data repositories and all address climate action in some shape or form. At a Showcase Webinar on September 14th project owners will demonstrate how their solutions support climate action and how stakeholders and how the wider public can engage with them. And the best projects will be awarded prizes. Register for the webinar here 

What solutions were developed? 

In all, seven potentially impactful projects created new applications or built on existing ones using open data and other resources. A brief description of each solution follows: 

• GoZeroWaste App 

The Go Zero Waste App is designed to support waste reduction and local shopping through encouraging small actions such as using refill stations for water bottles, bulk stores for unpacketed goods, and charity/ second hand stores. For the Challenge, this App was populated with open data and other data relevant to Dublin and launched with gamification and prizes. Download the app today. 

 • Nature Based Solutions Zoning Map 

Nature Based Solutions use nature and biodiversity to help address potential climate change effects- such as Flooding. This interactive map shows where deficiencies in ecosystem services and social need exist and can serve as a decision support tool: optimising the location and implementation of Nature Based Solutions. Check it out here. 

 • Dublin Cycling Infrastructure Analysis tool 

This project presents an analysis of data relating to active travel in order to identify optimal locations for provision of cycling infrastructure (e.g. cycle lanes) and for where bikeshare scheme services might expand into. Findings will be showcased at the webinar and are accessible here. 

• iAdapt Game 

iAdapt is a climate change adaptation educational game aimed at teenagers and Transition Year students, among others. Through the Challenge the game was improved by adding flooding datasets and undertaking engagement activities. Try out the game for yourself- it’s free: iAdapt. 

• Invasive Species Dashboard 

This project created an interactive online map/ dashboard to visualise invasive species, with a particular focus on potentially threatened woodlands. Have a look to check where your local native woodlands are and if they are under threat from any of the five invasive species included. 

• myRWH: an Online Tool for Optimising the Location and Use of Remote Working Hubs 

Remote working hubs have the potential to provide an effective workplace environment closer to people’s homes, potentially reducing traffic pressure and vehicle emissions. This project uses Data Science and AI (DSAI) approaches to help model optimal sites for locating remote hubs- helping decision makers to identify preferred locations. It also uses AI to help end-users find the most appropriate hubs based on their desired parameters. Access the online tool here. 

 • Dublin Carbon Calculator 

The project sets out to create a "Dublin carbon calculator" that allows a citizen to view the carbon footprint for their local area and explore how taking specific measures can help Dublin contribute to Ireland's 2030 carbon reduction target. See the interactive infographics here. 

Challenge Details and Background 

A committee was set up comprising representatives from Smart Dublin, Dublin CARO, Codema, Derilinx and the Climate Action officers of Dublin City, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin County Councils in early 2022 in order to administer and oversee a competition to which promote use of open data and addresses climate action. From the outset, an intention was to explore how open data engagement can assist climate action and support the objectives of Dublin’s local authority Climate Change Action Plans. Funding for prizes was secured from DPER's open data engagement fund and from the above organisations. It was decided that shortlisted participants would receive award to the value of €1,000. And in addition, first place would win an award worth €5,000, second place €3,000, and third place €2,000. 

For information on open data, see Dublinked and the National Open Data Portal. For information on the Dublin local authorities’ Climate Change Action Plans, see here.  

The Showcase Webinar 

An online webinar will be held on September 14th, 12-1pm. A keynote from John Sweeney: Emeritus Professor, Climatologist and Contributing Author to the IPCC’s 4th Assessment Report which won that organisation the Nobel Peace Prize, will set out the scale of the climate change challenge and touch on the role open data and public engagement can play in addressing it. This will be followed by short showcase pitches for all seven tools, dashboards and apps, and a short prize-giving for the top three. Register for the live online event here. 

Contact 

For more information, contact Luke on  [email protected]  

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