The role of citizen science in demonstrating the local effects of climate change

Abstract

Climate change is the greatest global challenge for present and future generations, destabilizing life-support systems with its diverse interrelationships and interactions. The real solutions to global problems at the local levels can only be expected through the widest possible social cohesion and the effective transmission of the results of science to all ages and social strata. One of the best ways to do this is by involving present or historical data from reliable sources of qualified and reliable amateur (citizen) scientists, which is an outstanding methodological opportunity to expand and increase the efficiency of scientific research. Therefore, citizen science has become more and more widespread within and between different disciplines in recent decades. One of the significant practical examples of this, with the persistent and accurate work of a late enthusiastic amateur data collector, Mr. László Cseh), who measured, collected and preserved main local climate data (that is, the average and maximum temperature and precipitation) over several decades in Csem?-Ereklyés region near Cegléd. The comparison of these data sets with the dynamics of the national middle-term data and the possibilities of their use in explaining plant phenology shifts are presented in this paper. According to our results, these local data sets fit well with the national trend and can increase the effectiveness of nature conservation by demonstrating the effects of climate change on plant phenology. Community science provides an opportunity for greater social recognition and acknowledgement of scientific results.