As climate risks rise across North-West Europe, residents are not just spectators — they’re becoming key players in shaping cooler, greener, more liveable cities. Citizen science is one of the most powerful tools the Cool Neighbourhoods project uses to achieve this.
Citizen science is about engaging people directly in the gathering, sharing, and analysing of data. It empowers communities to co-create knowledge, monitor their environment, and take part in decision-making that affects their streets, parks, and neighbourhoods.
How does it work?
In Cool Neighbourhoods, citizen science plays a central role in understanding and responding to urban heat stress and climate vulnerabilities. Activities include:
✅ Measuring Urban Heat
Citizens help gather data on temperature using handheld sensors, fixed
monitors, or mobile apps — especially during heatwaves.
✅ Spotting Biodiversity
Residents record species sightings (birds, pollinators, plants) to map
biodiversity levels and identify areas needing restoration.
✅ Mapping Shade and Cool Spots
Locals identify shaded areas, cool routes, and “heat traps” in their daily
environment — information that’s vital for planners.
✅ Climate Diaries & Stories
People share lived experiences of extreme heat, flooding, or environmental
change. These qualitative insights shape action plans and policy.
Why is this important?
Incorporating citizen science helps:
- Fill data gaps where institutional monitoring is limited
- Build trust between authorities and residents
- Promote inclusion, especially of groups often left out of technical processes
- Foster ownership of neighbourhood improvement efforts
- Educate the public about local climate risks and resilience actions
Who is involved?
Citizen science in Cool Neighbourhoods includes:
- Schools running classroom-to-community projects
- Housing associations engaging tenants in monitoring heat
- Youth and seniors contributing knowledge through intergenerational activities
- Local NGOs coordinating surveys and nature walks
- Municipalities integrating citizen data into official plans and maps
What’s next?
Each pilot site is trialling new methods to embed citizen science into climate planning. Toolkits, activity guides, and digital dashboards will be made publicly available in late 2025 to support replication across Europe.
This people-centred approach ensures Cool Neighbourhoods is not just about climate adaptation — it’s also about democratic innovation and social resilience.