Citizen science helps communities better understand environmental risks

These issues were discussed on 4 November during the webinar “Local Communities Using Citizen Science in Risk Managementlink opens in new page”, organised by the CS4Change project at the Estonian University of Life Sciences and the European Local Development Network LDnetlink opens in new page. The webinar covered earthquakes, floods, wildfires, air pollution, and risks related to nuclear and oil pollution. Examples were presented from Italy, the Netherlands, Türkiye, the United States, Ecuador, and Japan.

Flavio Stimillilink opens in new page, a researcher at the University of Camerino in Italy, discussed the role of local communities in disaster risk reduction. He explained that local residents know their area and its history, but their understanding of risks depends on their previous experiences. People may therefore perceive the risks associated with earthquakes, floods, and wildfires differently.

According to Stimilli, involving a community does not always require reaching hundreds of people at once. It is important to identify local leaders who understand the needs of the area and can involve other residents. Researchers and communities can work together to create risk maps, plan preventive measures, and develop solutions suited to local conditions.

Anna Berti Sumanlink opens in new page, Assistant Professor at the University of Padua, presented examples of environmental monitoring carried out by local residents. After the Fukushima nuclear disaster, residents began measuring radiation levels and comparing their results with official government data. In other projects, communities have monitored air quality, industrial pollution, and environmental risks related to oil production.

However, community-generated data do not automatically influence official decisions. The data must be sufficiently accurate, and the collection methods must be clearly documented. It also helps to involve public authorities early so that they understand how the information can be used. Researchers and non-governmental organisations can act as intermediaries between communities and decision-makers.

Monika Suškevičslink opens in new page, principal investigator of the CS4Change project, presented the results of a review covering more than 100 scientific publications. The review showed that citizen science can help people understand environmental risks and strengthen community preparedness. People most often participate by collecting data. They are less frequently involved in defining research questions, assessing results, or developing solutions.

“Citizen science can make risk governance more democratic. When we involve the people directly affected by risks from the beginning, the decisions are more likely to gain their support,” said Suškevičs.

The review also showed that citizen science is not yet used throughout the entire risk governance process. For example, it has rarely been applied to early warning. It is also not always clear how individual participation contributes to the safety and resilience of the wider community.

The webinar highlighted that communities do not always have to wait for public authorities to act. If residents collect data about air pollution, for example, they can use this information to change their behaviour and reduce their exposure. Citizen science can therefore provide practical benefits even before the results reach formal decision-making processes.

The webinar was moderated by Joanna Tamar Storie, Senior Lecturer at the Estonian University of Life Sciences. Funded by the Estonian Research Council, the CS4Change project examines how citizen science can help communities identify and manage environmental risks. The project will continue until 2029.