Mapping tech firm calls on developers to prepare for climate risks
Mapping technology firm Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (Esri) launched The Esri Climate Resilience App Challenge 2014, calling all developers to create an app using its ArcGIS Platform to help communities understand and prepare for climate risks.
Esri, based in Redlands, Calif., will provide up to three winners with more than $15,000 in cash prizes or a software equivalent. To enter the challenge, complete the entry form. The deadline is June 2.
Apps may help communities prepare for, react to, and recover from severe events caused by climate, or enable everyday changes to reduce our carbon footprint. They could address challenges in public safety, transportation, economic development, healthcare, and more. Apps will be judged on the creative and effective use of data, Esri apps, maps, services, and APIs.
In June 2013, President Obama announced a comprehensive Climate Action Plan, which included the Climate Data Initiative, an effort to encourage tech innovators to use data about climate change risks and impacts in compelling ways to help citizens, businesses, and communities make smart choices in the face of climate change.
“We want to support President Obama’s Climate Data Initiative, encouraging tech innovators to use data about climate change risks and impacts in compelling ways to help citizens, businesses, and communities makes smart choices in the face of climate change,” said Esri President Jack Dangermond.
Esri technology can help answer important questions related to climate change. For example: How are changes in weather patterns going to impact the world? How do we start preparing for these changes? What makes cities more resilient to climate change? Climate impacts reach beyond crops and wildlife. For example, what can city planners do to rethink infrastructure design? What impacts will climate have on public health, and what do health care providers need to do to adapt?
“We can answer important questions and solve some of these significant problems using a resilience app,” Dangermond said. “We encourage developers to explore the hurdles of climate resilience—from tools to manage drought, wildfires, and hurricanes, to safer communities, intelligent transportation, sustainable infrastructure, smart cities, and more energy-efficient buildings.”
The winning apps will be featured at the Esri International User Conference, where more than 15,000 Esri users come together to share ideas and do their part to transform our world.
Winners will receive:
- First Place: $10,000 or software equivalent
- Second Place: $5,000 or software equivalent
- Third Place: $2,000 or software equivalent
See the full terms and conditions for further information.
