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. All seven employ data published on the National and/ or Dublin Region open data repositories and address climate action in some shape or form. On September 14th, award winning Climatologist Prof. John Sweeney kicked-off an online showcase webinar in which the seven participants pitched their solutions- demonstrating they support climate action and how stakeholders and the wider public can engage with them. The top three solutions were then awarded prizes. A recording of the one-hour showcase event is available here.
The Challenge background
An organising committee comprised Smart Dublin, Dublin CARO, Codema, Derilinx and the Climate Action officers of Dublin City, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin County Councils was set up to run the Challenge. A prize fund with funding from the above organisations and from DPER’s open data engagement fund was used. The Challenge organisers were keen to see solutions that assist climate action activity and support the objectives of the 4 Dublin Local Authority Climate Change Action Plans.
What are the participating projects?
• 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 Prioritisation Analysis
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.
At the webinar showcase prizes were awarded to the top three:
- myRWH.app: first place €5,000
- Dublin Cycling Prioritisation Analysis tool: second place €3,000
- iAdapt game: third place €2,000 (all to the value of).
See the one-hour showcase event here:
Contact
For more information, contact info@dublinked.ie
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