ClimateWatch was developed by Earthwatch with the Bureau of Meteorology and The University of Melbourne to understand how changes in temperature and rainfall are affecting the behaviour of Australia's plants and animals. The first project of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, ClimateWatch enables every Australian to be involved in collecting and recording data that will help shape the country’s scientific response to climate change.

Timing is everything

Climate change is affecting rainfall and temperature across Australia, and is consequently triggering changes in the established flowering times, breeding cycles and migration movements and other phenological changes. Essentially ClimateWatch is based on Phenology, the study of periodic plant and animal life cycle events and how these are influenced by seasonal and interannual variations in climate.

Getting involved is easy

It's easy to get involved. Simply choose the mammal, bird, insect, reptile or plants you are interested in or would like to keep an eye on and start recording what you see online. Once you have decided on a species to watch, it’s a good idea to think about how you can make ClimateWatch part of your regular weekly activities and to keep a pen and paper handy to make a note of your observations on the spot.

Spread the word to your friends, family and colleagues. After all, preserving our natural environment is everyone’s responsibility.

ClimateWatch is an initiative of Earthwatch, for more information visit www.earthwatch.org.au