Data for Good: How D4CAE is Empowering Edinburgh's Climate Action
We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Pauline, the inspiring founder of D4CAE (Data 4 Climate Action Edinburgh). Pauline's passion for using data to drive climate action is truly infectious, and here at ECCAN we wanted to share some of her insights, especially with the recent release of D4CAE's ABCD 2025 Report and their fantastic ongoing support for climate groups.
Unpacking D4CAE's Latest: The ABCD 2025 Report
In Pauline's words: "We recently released The ABCD 2025 Report, which focuses on climate action and climate impacts affecting Edinburgh. Our main goal with this report was to really showcase what D4CAE can do for the amazing climate action groups working here in Edinburgh.
"D4CAE exists to help groups who are working to reduce the city's carbon footprint, and to help the city adapt to climate change – and that includes those supporting biodiversity in and around Edinburgh. The report is a great illustration of our capabilities in things like data storytelling, data visualisation, and data analysis."
From Passion to Practical Support: The D4CAE Journey
"D4CAE actually came about when I was working at the University of Edinburgh in a data management support role," Pauline explained. "I found out a new climate hub and network was forming in Edinburgh – back then it was called 'Our Future Edinburgh,' and it was a mix of different groups and individuals working together on climate action. That network grew to become ECCAN! I thought it was so exciting that this was happening, and I realised no one else was really leading on the data skills side of things. So, I got involved by offering help."
"I started D4CAE as a citizen science group. I had some experience with that and wanted to help as an individual, but by forming a group, it meant more people could get involved and offer even more support. I really wanted to do something concrete to help tackle climate change, something to avoid feeling too weighed down by it all. First, I started with contact data management for the group that was forming, and from there, we moved on to other data work.
"Our top priority is to make a concrete difference by providing help to climate action groups. We always see an ebb and flow of new members joining with skills they want to apply, and groups asking us to help with projects. And we usually manage to match them reasonably well! We can offer help with everything from calculating a carbon footprint to drawing up a data sharing agreement."
Open Science and Real-World Impact
"From the start, we adopted an open science approach," Pauline shared. "I had a clear understanding that making data and code open for reuse are key features for successful citizen science projects and their impact. This means sharing research data openly, allowing for verification, reanalysis, and integration with other datasets."
A great example of D4CAE's impact is their work with EdinBRIC, an ECCAN group member. D4CAE helped EdinBRIC by analysing a survey the group had done with households on their barriers to retrofitting and installing low-carbon systems, and also by doing data visualisation for their subsequent report.
"My dream project for D4CAE is compiling impact data for funders," Pauline revealed. "I'm well aware of the importance of funding in this sector and I'm really keen to support groups in getting started or analysing data for this, so they can improve their funding applications and reports. We are particularly interested in hearing from community groups that need support with data issues –in this area, some people might be more confident with other skills related to their climate action, such as working with nature and engaging communities rather than with tech, and it's my hope that we can provide concrete help and boost data skills and confidence!"
The D4CAE team is a group of volunteers with incredibly diverse skills, covering data management, data analysis, data visualisation, coding, web development, data protection, and statistics. This means they can potentially cover many different data fields and help with a wide range of issues.
Get Involved: Drop-in Sessions & Collaboration
"The production of D4CAE's annual analytical report provides lots of new options for how volunteers can contribute and stay engaged," Pauline mentioned. "I'd be delighted to get some help with the gathering of data, number-crunching, comparing, mapping, drafting, editing, and potentially covering different aspects of climate."
Another area where help would be welcome is on socials. Pauline has created a new BlueSky account for D4CAE. Give them a follow here.
"We do monthly drop-ins to keep momentum up and to reduce participation barriers and have an exploratory conversation," Pauline said. "It's easier to invite folk to something that's already happening than to expect people to contact us directly – sometimes, it can seem a bit vague what D4CAE does, but when we have a conversation with people then the possibilities open up really quickly."
Connect with D4CAE!
If you're part of a climate or biodiversity voluntary group or charity in Edinburgh and you'd like D4CAE to provide some data support, please email Pauline at data4climateactionedinburgh@gmail.com. She'd love to hear from you! Remember D4CAE host monthly digital drop-ins the last Tuesday of each month, from 7.30-8pm. You can check ECCAN’s Events Calendar for more information.
If you'd like to join the D4CAE mailing list, and/or volunteer to help with any of the activities Pauline talked about, please drop her an email.