Wikipedia:WiR/Global Systems Institute

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The Laver Building at the University of Exeter. The Global Systems Institute is based here.

Did you know that Wikipedia is one of the biggest sources of climate change information in the world, and relies on volunteer editors to keep the content updated?

Climate change knowledge empowers informed decisions at a time of great urgency. Read 22 billion times a month, Wikipedia is an effective platform to mobilise information, research and expert knowledge searchable and accessible, and to combat misinformation.

About

In October 2022 Wikimedia UK launched a Wikimedian in Residence Project in partnership with the Global Systems Institute (GSI) at the University of Exeter, with the core aim of updating climate change information on Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects. User:TatjanaClimate is the Wikimedia Visiting Fellow at the GSI. The project is running until end September 2025.

Key activities

1. Set up and facilitate editathons and training workshops.
2. Bring on board experts in the field to improve climate-related articles.
3. Work with partners to advocate for the release of climate-related media onto Wikimedia Commons.
4. Integrate Wikipedia and other relevant Wikimedia open knowledge projects into higher education.

How to get involved

Project flyer detailing how to get involved.

The first editathon held at the GSI.

Contact t.baleta@exeter.ac.uk for more information about any of the options below.

1. Join an editathon

You can help make climate change research accessible to millions!

Learn how to edit Wikipedia at one of our editathons and improve open source climate change knowledge! It's a great opportunity to delve into a climate change topic, work on a literature review, practice writing for public audiences, and network with others in the climate space, all while making a positive impact.

Find the next event on our Events page.

2. Review a Wikipedia article

Are you a researcher with knowledge on a climate change topic? You can help by reviewing a Wikipedia article to identify any missing, out of date, or erroneous information and suggest improvements. Join the list of experts who have already provided reviews on articles, from Peatland to Tipping points. Email t.baleta@exeter.ac.uk if you’d like to review an article.

3. Share your media

Are you a media organisation, library, research group or photographer who has climate change -related media? Make it open access for people to use freely on Wikimedia Commons.

4. Teach with Wikipedia

Wikimedia-based lectures, projects and assignments are a great way to expand on students' digital literacy, critical thinking, and research and writing skills. Find out more in this brochure from Wikimedia UK.

5. Edit in Spanish

Are you a Spanish speaker? We're looking for people to help us improve climate change content on the Spanish Wikipedia.