With the help of digital tools, citizens can uncover environmental problems, collect important data and support protective measures. In our new upcoming Special Feature, we explore the question: How can civic tech solutions advance climate protection?

Among the ocean’s predators, the great white shark is possibly the most feared. Yet, despite its notoriety, the Mediterranean white shark population remains shrouded in mystery. 

Social licenses can serve as a pathway to bridge the trust gap that exists when openly sharing data, an idea that continues to instill distrust among some citizens.

Ghana's initiative to monitor and report marine plastic pollution using data generated by the public represents a milestone in citizen science.

The air in our cities is polluted. With sensors, citizens can collect measurements, allowing them to uncover sources and build up political pressure.

How many insects fly around us? Which species are out and about in our gardens, meadows and cities? It’s not an easy question to answer. But in the future, the KInsecta project will make it possible for researchers and interested laypeople to easily collect and evaluate data on the local insect world.

Citizen science usually requires an active participant to get - and stay - involved. Now researchers have been experimenting with a passive approach that deputises photographers into conservation and nature research, without them having to do anything.

Whether its counting penguins, deciphering historical records or listening to the stars, Zooniverse harnesses people power to assist in breaking down the big data behind scientific research.

Counting birds, analysing satellite images, measuring air values - many organisations and research institutions rely on citizen support for research work. New digital tools make it even easier for lay researchers to contribute to new findings.