How can a city engage its citizens in the fight against climate change? In Porto, the answer lies in the innovative WAKE UP! app, which allows residents to track their carbon footprint while earning rewards for sustainable choices.
The WAKE UP! app is part of Porto’s broader initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. Launched as part of the city’s Climate Pact in 2022, this app aims to foster citizen engagement in sustainable urban policies. With over 230,000 residents, Porto recognizes that achieving its climate goals requires collective action.
Catarina Araújo, Porto’s municipal director for sustainability, emphasizes, “Climate neutrality cannot be achieved by the municipality alone, as emissions directly under municipal control account for only around 5% of the city’s total.” This insight highlights the necessity of involving citizens in the transition toward a greener future.
The app not only educates users about their daily choices but also incentivizes them. Points earned through eco-friendly actions can be exchanged for rewards. Araújo states, “These points can be exchanged for rewards,” creating a tangible motivation for residents to adopt sustainable practices.
Since the launch of the Climate Pact, more than 300 organizations and 2,000 citizens have committed to supporting Porto’s sustainability efforts. The success of such initiatives reflects a growing awareness among residents about their role in combating climate change.
The Porto Card, which has over 100,000 subscribers, further supports local businesses and promotes sustainable tourism. As locals engage with both the WAKE UP! app and the Porto Card, they contribute not just to individual well-being but also to the city’s environmental goals.
Looking ahead, Porto aims to deepen this engagement by continually refining tools like the WAKE UP! app based on user feedback. Araújo notes that one of the most important lessons learned is “the value and necessity of genuinely involving both citizens and organisations in the co-creation and co-development of climate-related tools and policies.” This collaborative approach may well define how cities tackle climate challenges in the future.
The journey toward climate neutrality is still unfolding. With Porto at the forefront of these efforts, it remains crucial to see how citizen engagement evolves through initiatives like WAKE UP!
Evelyn Mensah
Ama Serwah