Becoming a citizen scientist is a hands-on way to track the consequences of climate and environmental change — and you don’t need an advanced degree in plant biology or climate modeling to get started. The only requirements are enthusiasm, a commitment to learn and some time, in whatever chunks you can give.

And with an ever-growing number of climate and ecological-related citizen science projects, it’s easy to get involved, no matter whether you live in a downtown apartment or near the edges of a sprawling forest.

Researchers say recruiting the public to help study climate change is a relatively low-cost way for scientists to scale up their research projects. It allows them to gather more data from a bigger geographical area than any one person or small team could do on their own. Studies that have relied on data collected by citizens have revealed critical trends in climate change.

It's fun and a great way to meet other like-minded people. 

Loss of the night - ACTION Project

 Citizen Science Pilots

The Loss of the Night App invites citizen scientists worldwide to take part in a research project that measures light pollution by using the human visual system as a light meter. Specifically, participants are asked to look for specific stars, and report if they can see them from their location.


Citizen Science | UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

The scheme is looking for volunteers to help scientists with an annual ... to their environment across the UK, and the wider world, Citizen Science has a ...


How to Join the Project - Never Home Alone @ NCSU - NC 

First, you will need to create an iNaturalist account. iNaturalist is a citizen science project that collects observations of wildlife from around the world.


Insight Citizen Science – The mobile app that lets citizens ...

Contribute meaningful scientific data by observing pollinators & recording your findings in the app. · Use the Insight Guide to learn about the observation of the natural world.


GLOBE Observer: Clouds - SciStarter

GLOBE Observer is an international citizen science initiative to understand our global environment. Your observations help scientists track cloud formations. 

eBird - Discover a new world of birding...

eBird is an online database of bird observations providing scientists, researchers and amateur naturalists with real-time data about bird distribution and abundance.

Citizen Science | Science Mission - NASA Science

NASA's citizen science projects are collaborations between scientists and interested members of the public.

Citizen Science - Applied Aquatic Ecology Research Hub Citizen science involves volunteer citizens, in partnership with scientists, ... in scientific activities for personal, community and environmental benefits.

Loss of the night - ACTION Project

 Citizen Science Pilots

The Loss of the Night App invites citizen scientists worldwide to take part in a research project that measures light pollution by using the human visual system as a light meter. Specifically, participants are asked to look for specific stars, and report if they can see them from their location.

ZomBee Watch: Home

ZomBee Watch is a citizen science project tracking the honey bee parasite Apocephalus borealis.


Marine Debris Tracker: Home

Debris Tracker is designed to help citizen scientists like you make a difference by contributing data on plastic pollution in your community.

Ants provide us with real-time data on one of the planet’s most concerning issues. Scientists need your help! Collecting data on the numerous species of ants is tedious and most scientists are often restricted to very specific testing locations. “One student, family or school at a time, we are seeing ever more than we knew before


Project Squirrel: Home

Become a Citizen Scientist. Click here to record your squirrel observations. ... What to do: Take a look around your home, office, school, or anywhere you are.

Of the two birding apps belowMerlin is recommended for beginning and eBird for more experienced birders. Both apps will allow you to hook-up with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, to allow them to data-base your bird sightings. 

eBird - Discover a new world of birding...

eBird is an online database of bird observations providing scientists, researchers and amateur naturalists with real-time data about bird distribution and abundance. 


Back to Nature: How to Love Life – and Save It

Amazon.com

'Rousing, polemical and heartfelt' - Gardens Illustrated

'An invitation to take action' - The Observer


One thing has become clear this year - we need nature more than ever. And it needs us too.


From our balconies and gardens to our woodlands, national parks and beyond, Back to Nature captures the essence of how we feel about the wildlife outside our windows. Through personal stories, conservation breakthroughs and scientific discoveries, it explores the wonder and the solace of nature, and the ways in which we can connect with it - and protect it.

Citizens are using social media to post or share real time photos on a variety of environmental issues such as air, water, noise, soil, solid waste pollution, forest fires, chemical or oil spills in waterways, illegal dumping, poaching, plastic menace, affected plants or animals.