Annex 2: Engaging youth in environmental monitoring


New technologies for use in citizen science have become accessible and affordable in recent years. Smart sensors, mobile phones, Internet access, cloud computing and the capability of creating a simple desktop or mobile app-based data entry system, whose data is geo-located, is revolutionizing the process of initiating citizen science projects while ensuring data accuracy at minimal costs (UNEP 2019a).


Coupling of citizen science with new emergent technologies, and the possibility of involving the world’s youth, due to their geographic spread, offers unprecedented opportunities to collect and analyse environmental data and to inform the public about environmental issues (UNEP 2019a).


Young people can become involved in citizen science in a variety of ways. As a start, they can access a number of different websites. Websites such as www.scistarter.org can provide anyone with the opportunity to become a volunteer and contribute to thousands of ongoing projects and communities of citizen


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scientists around the world. For those wishing to learn more, or to become involved in citizen science, Table 1 provides information on data access and volunteering opportunities. Volunteers can in due time progress to designing and undertaking their own citizen science projects, based on the environmental monitoring requirements and using guidelines such as those highlighted in GEO-6 (United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP], p. 601).


According to the UNEP Measuring Progress report (UNEP 2019b), of the 93 environment- related SDGs indicators there are 20 (22 per cent) for which good progress has been made during the last 15 years. If this progress continues, it is likely that the targets of these SDGs will be met. However, for the other 78 per cent of the environment-related SDG indicators, either there are not sufficient data to assess progress (62 per cent) or it is unlikely that the target will be met without upscaling action (16 per cent). According to that report, either there are either no data or no progress


towards the 12 SDG targets related to the state of the environment (UNEP 2019b, p. 7)


Citizen science presents numerous benefits for youth by creating job opportunities in designing systems for data collection and analysis, based on new emerging technologies; increasing their scientific literacy and engagement; and understanding of the environmental issues in their area or region (UNEP 2019a). Enhanced collection of data by young people will greatly contribute to bridging gaps in environmental data, so that we can better monitor the changes our environment. If we understand what is happening in our environment, we will be in a better place to champion changes in policies and in our way of life.


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