In 1970, April 22 was designated as Earth Day, and since then, activities and events related to climate action and environmental awareness have taken place throughout the month of April. During this time of pandemic, it can be difficult to get out and participate in-person in community projects; however, there are many ways to become involved in the environmental movement. For example, Zooniverse hosts many projects related to ecology, climate change, and environmental justice. Through these projects, participants can help scientists better understand the effects of climate change and habitat loss on the Earth and its inhabitants.

Throughout the month of April (which also happens to be Citizen Science month), Zooniverse will participate in a number of events (which we’ll post about here), including the following:

At 6 pm CDT on April 6, Faith in Place and the Chicago Muslims Green Team, in collaboration with the AAAS Dialogue on Science, Ethics, and Religion and Zooniverse, will present a free webinar demonstrating how people of all faiths can participate in environmental research using the Zooniverse platform. Click this link to register beforehand. Speakers will include opening remarks from Faith in Place Executive Director, Rev. Brian Sauder; Faith in Place Board Member and Chicago Muslims Green Team Leader, Caroline Williams; Dr. Grace Wolf-Chase of the Planetary Science Institute; and Dr. Seth Magle, Executive Director of the Urban Wildlife Information Network, who will discuss Chicago Wildlife Watch and the project’s focus on monitoring urban wildlife and assessing the biodiversity of the greater Chicagoland region.

Social justice and being responsible caretakers of the Earth are valued across diverse cultures and religious traditions. Sadly, the poor and disenfranchised tend to be the first to suffer the effects of environmental disasters and climate change. In recognition of this fact, many faith-based and interfaith organizations have been responding to the call for climate action and environmental justice. Indeed, many religious leaders have signed the Climate Crisis Letter, which notes that, “our own survival is inextricably connected to the responsible stewardship of the Earth and all its creatures.” Faith-based and interfaith communities that are interested in learning more about possible ways to incorporate Zooniverse into their programs should contact Dr. Grace Wolf-Chase through her initiative,  Engaging Faith-based Communities in Citizen Science through Zooniverse.