Final congratulations to the 2019-2020 Climate Detectives student teams
More than 450 students took up the role of Climate Detectives and shared their investigations in 2019-2020, ending another great year for this school project.
Teams of students were challenged to work like detectives and identify and investigate a local climate problem. In order to do this, they collected and analysed Earth Observation data, either from satellites or from local weather measurements. Based on their investigations, teams proposed ways to help reduce the climate problem identified by them, or raise awareness about it.
ESA is very inspired and impressed by the work done by the teams. The covid-19 lockdown meant harder work conditions for everyone. With schools switching to online and distance learning, many teams had to find alternative ways to complete their investigations, and some were unable to perform the field work they had planned.
Taking into consideration the hard circumstances, ESA decided to cancel the Climate Detectives School Award for the 2019-2020 project edition. However, all teams that shared their projects on the Climate Detectives platform will receive a special ESA goodie in recognition of their very special efforts.
Some of the projects shared by the participating teams stood out for the investigation presented and for the way teams explored a local climate problem, and ESA has therefore decided to mention these highly commendable teams:
- Flood and wildfire explorers, Greece – The team investigated the effects of wildfires, deforestation, and increased precipitation on the severity of flash floods.
- I.E.S.S. FOR CLIMATE, Italy – The team explored why in recent times sudden and violent whirlwinds are generated in the geographical area of Emilia Romagna, Italy.
- Vianu Climate Detectives, Romania – The team investigated whether there is any connection between deforestation and the disappearance of the ‘classical’ four seasons.
- Water Detectives, Malta – The team investigated how changes in climate, mainly rainfall and temperature, are impacting water flow and farming in Qlejgħa Valley, Malta.
ESA would also like to highlight a team of promising young scientists:
- Creative students’ laboratory, Romania – This student team, from 8 to 9 years old, investigated whether changes in climate are affecting the Danube river.
All the commended teams will receive a special certificate in addition to the goodie.
The ESA Education team would like to thank all the student teams who participated this school year, together with their teachers, for their remarkable efforts and great work, and challenge them to continue making a difference to protect Earth’s Climate!
The Climate Detectives school project will be back for the 2020-2021 school year. Stay tuned!
