City and UCT launch an app that encourages sustainable lifestyle changes
Author: Sarah du Toit
On March 15, 2023, the City, in collaboration with the University of Cape Town (UCT) and funded by the European Union, launched Climate Campaigners, a free mobile app that offers a variety of sustainability-based lifestyle changes that will enable citizens to contribute to the City’s commitments to climate resilience and carbon neutrality by 2050. The app is a global climate action tool that combines behavioural and social science research with grassroots activism. It employs behavioural science to address people’s biases and humanity. The app, which is low-key and non-invasive, assists those committed to living responsibly and sustainably by proposing specific actions to achieve their goals. Cape Town’s 2050 vision is for a climate-resilient, resource-efficient and carbon-neutral city that supports inclusive economic development and healthy, thriving communities and ecosystems. The Climate Campaigners app is a community-based platform that aims to inspire Capetonians to choose challenges that will benefit their communities while also lowering their carbon footprint. Saving water and energy, improving mobility and engaging in environmentally friendly consumption are among the exciting challenges. The app provides advice and inspiration while tracking and analysing users’ CO2 savings in real-time. It also provides a network for like-minded campaigners to network, share experiences and encourage one another. Every citizen in Cape Town needs to contribute and partake in climate activism in order for the City to meet its climate goals. Small actions taken in concert can have a significant impact.