Karlsruhe's Climate Fight: Cyclists & Surveys! You Won't Believe How!
Karlsruhe is ramping up its efforts to combat climate change and improve air quality with two exciting initiatives: a city-wide climate survey and a citizen science project using cyclists as mobile air quality monitors.
Have Your Say: Karlsruhe's Climate Campaign Survey
The City of Karlsruhe is inviting residents to participate in an online survey to gauge public opinion on its climate campaign, "KA° – Wir machen Klima." The survey, running until the end of July 2025, aims to understand which climate-friendly initiatives residents are already using and what additional programs they would like to see. It takes less than 10 minutes to complete and can be accessed on smartphones or computers at umfrage.karlsruhe.de/klimakampagne.
Participants also have the chance to win prizes, including vouchers for vegan dining, zero-waste shopping, and annual library passes.
Why Your Input Matters
The survey results will directly influence the development and expansion of Karlsruhe's climate protection efforts. The city's climate platform, klima.karlsruhe.de, serves as a central hub for information, events, and opportunities for residents to get involved. It features a "deeds database" with practical tips for everyday climate-friendly actions and a blog showcasing local climate protection initiatives.
Cycling for Cleaner Air: Citizen Science in Action
In a separate initiative, 100 cyclists in Karlsruhe are now equipped with small sensors attached to their bikes to measure fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels throughout the city. This citizen science project, called CycleSense, was created by three students from Karlsruhe and aims to provide a more detailed picture of air pollution than the city's two official monitoring stations can offer.
How It Works
The cyclists use sensors that measure the concentration of fine particles in the air. These sensors are connected to a platform that transmits the data for analysis. This data helps identify areas with high pollution levels and informs strategies to improve air quality.
From School Project to City-Wide Initiative
The CycleSense project began as an idea in a technology club at the Lessing-Gymnasium in Karlsruhe. The students developed a prototype mobile air quality sensor and went on to win a national science award. With support from the City of Karlsruhe, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and other organizations, the project has evolved into a citizen science initiative involving numerous volunteer cyclists.
By combining public participation and innovative technology, Karlsruhe is taking a proactive approach to address climate change and create a healthier environment for its residents.