Community Science: Glasgow’s Community-Led Response to Climate Change

This blog has been provided by Dr Florence Halstead, who is a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the University of Glasgow. She focuses her research on the connexion between society, climate change and education. She is currently working within the Community Collaboration workstream within GALLANT.

As we celebrate Glasgow Climate Week, there is an opportunity to shine a light on community science - a powerful way for local communities to contribute directly to understanding and responding to climate change. Community science involves everyday people observing, recording, and sharing valuable information about their local environment, helping build shared understanding and inspiring practical actions.

Why Community Science Matters in Climate Action

Climate change is a global issue, but its impacts are, and will continue to, be experienced locally. Community science connects people directly to scientific understanding and practical climate actions. By involving residents in observing their environment, communities can notice changes, spot emerging issues, and work together on solutions suited to their local needs.

Introducing CommuniMap: A New Tool for Local Climate Action

Developed by the University of Glasgow’s GALLANT project, CommuniMap is an innovative community science app that will soon be launched across Glasgow. It helps residents engage with local climate action through six interactive layers:

1. Movement Co-Lab: Log and reflect on your journeys—on foot, wheels, or even a hoverboard - to better understand and enhance local travel.
2. Nature Co-Lab: Share your interactions with nature – from wildlife sightings and seasonal changes to hidden green spaces.
3. Tree Co-Lab: Record tree types, locations, and conditions, emphasising their importance for climate, water management, and community wellbeing.
4. Water Co-Lab: Notice local water flows and drainage issues to support efforts to reduce flood risks and improve community resilience to extreme weather.
5. Compost Co-Lab: Exchange composting experiences and insights, using science to enhance composting practices, reduce waste, and improve urban soil health.
6. Energy Co-Lab: Highlight renewable energy projects, or suggest new ideas to help Glasgow move towards greater sustainability.

The app allows you to take photos, add in your thoughts, and even record audio, if you wish.

Building Glasgow’s Climate Resilience Together

CommuniMap isn’t just about collecting data - it’s about empowering everyone to engage with the climate realities of their local area. Designed with openness at its core, the platform makes all gathered information freely available for individuals, community groups, and decision-makers to use. That means any resident can access the data, reflect on patterns, and contribute to shaping solutions.

As this community-generated evidence grows, it can help inform decisions at all levels- from neighbourhood groups improving local spaces, to local authority. teams considering how to respond to lived experiences of heat, flooding, or barriers to active travel. Together, we’re building a shared, transparent foundation for action - where citizen science strengthens climate resilience by centring community knowledge.

CommuniMap launches in early June 2025. If you want to stay updated and participate in launch activities, sign up for the newsletter here. Let’s seize this opportunity to come together, explore our surroundings, and act locally on climate change - building a more resilient, connected, and sustainable Glasgow.

Join the movement, start mapping, and make your voice heard!