GCAS 2018 Contest: Visualizing the Effects of Climate Change
Are you under 30, passionate about climate change, and eager to try your skills at developing a powerful data visualization using satellite imagery? If so, this challenge is for you!
**DEADLINE EXTENDED to Friday, September 7th**
Who: Youth under 30 (individual and team submissions allowed)
Why: Information overload and questions about what is “truth” makes it difficult to identify credible, rigorous, and trustworthy information about climate change. Data visualization can help clarify complex patterns and clearly communicate them to policymakers.
What: UC Berkeley’s Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) and Planet, an SF-based satellite company, are hosting a data visualization contest in conjunction with California’s upcoming Global Climate Action Summit. While the contest is open to all “youth” (defined by the summit organizers as anyone under 30), those enrolled in accredited universities may request access to satellite imagery from Planet’s vast repositories. Participants should use satellite data, as well as geospatial and time series data as needed, to tell a clear story about the effects of — or potential solutions to — climate change. Data visualization platforms (such as CARTO, Mapbox or Google Earth Engine) may also be used. Submissions should relate to one or more of the five themes of the Summit; be easy to interpret without a computer science background; and motivate citizens and/or policymakers to engage in effective climate action.
Examples of innovative and compelling data visualizations can be found through Earthrise Media and CARTO. While not required, you may use one the following news stories (or identify your own) as inspiration:
- India’s ‘worst water crisis in its history’ is only going to get worse, government think tank says
- California wildfires scorch an area the size of Los Angeles, with high winds expected to spread the flames
- China ‘Environment Census’ reveals 50% rise in pollution sources
- Climate change’s impact on migration is strong and growing
- China, developing countries lead in renewable and solar energy investment
- Why this hurricane season has been so catastrophic
How: Students may register for satellite data access via Planet’s Education & Research Program Application (state “GCAS CONTEST” in the beginning of your project description). Your application will be reviewed and approved within a couple of days, and you will receive an email inviting you to access the Planet platform. When you are finished, please create a URL that links to your visualization online and submit it by filling out this Google form by Friday, September 7th at 11:59 pm PST.
Winners: Entries will be scored by a panel of experts (including climate scientists, social scientists, engineers, and policymakers). Two winners will be awarded certificates and recognized at a reception at Planet’s global headquarters in SF on the evening of September 11.
Please contact Carson Christiano at christiano@berkeley.edu with any questions.
Taking ambition to the next level #StepUp2018 #GCAS2018
