Implementing Open Data Strategies for Climate Action: Suggestions And Lessons Learned for Government and Civil Society Stakeholders

Abstract

Shared data and information are fundamental to mainstreaming climate action and promoting a coordinated and coherent response to climate change across government and society. Open data—the publication of datasets that can be freely used and redistributed by anyone, anywhere—offers opportunities to ensure climate policymaking is informed by all relevant data while building trust with civil society and enabling data users to create valuable tools and visualizations that can broaden impact and engage new audiences. This working paper aims to promote greater accessibility of climate-related data by building government officials’ and other stakeholders’ understanding of the benefits of open data practices for climate action, potential challenges, and ways to address these challenges while taking steps to ensure that data publication is impactful, responsible, and sustainable. It draws on a literature review, expert consultations, and observations from pilot projects implemented in Chile and Uruguay to provide insights for contexts with a range of data capacities, from those with mature data collection and publication protocols to those investing in new data generation processes.