ClimateWatch mobile phone app reaches finals in Victorian Premier's Sustainability Awards

Earthwatch Institute Australia has been named as a finalist in the Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Awards for the ClimateWatch mobile phone app.

The free app has been added to the company’s existing web-based program, which enables ‘citizen scientists’ to be involved in collecting and recording data that will assist scientists, policymakers and land managers to understand, predict and mitigate the effects of climate change on biodiversity. The app makes it easy for mobile phone users to record seasonal behavioural changes in plants and animal species.

Sustainability Victoria CEO Stan Krpan congratulated the Earthwatch Australia team for their innovative project, noting that it “has been recognised by the awards judges in the Community category for their outstanding contribution to sustainability”.

The app can be downloaded from http://www.climatewatch.org.au/mobile.  

Now in their 11th year, the Premier’s Sustainability Awards celebrate efficient use of water, resources and energy, better waste management and recycling practices, the enhancement of the environment and effective, practical community action.

The finalists have been selected across seven categories: Infrastructure and Buildings, Education, Environmental Protection, Innovative Products and Services, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), Large Business and Community (an eighth category, Tourism, had no finalists selected). One winner will be selected from each category.

In addition, the Premier will personally select two overall winners: the Premier’s Recognition Award and the Premier’s Regional Recognition Award. The Premier’s Regional Recognition Award will focus on a regional finalist who has demonstrated significant benefit for regional Victoria. The Premier’s Recognition Award focuses on exemplary leadership and innovation in sustainability, whether metropolitan or regional.

The awards night will be held on 22 October at Peninsula A, Shed 14 Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands. Tickets can be purchased until 14 October from http://sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au/the-awards/awards-ceremony.