Submissions:2019/WikiCarbon Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Database
This submission has been noted and is pending review for WikiConference North America 2019.
Title:
- WikiCarbon Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Database
Theme:
- Reliability of Information
Type of session:
- Workshop
Abstract:
WikiCarbon is launching a MediaWiki under a free license for the public domain that will enable the public to compile carbon emissions data on all goods and services (products). We chose a MediaWiki because this platform enables us to maximize all of the following: Reliability, transparency, and accessibility.
Currently, there is no comprehensive, consolidated product carbon footprint (PCF) database -- for all products being sold – that is readily available to consumers; and which enables reliable PCF cross-comparison. Multiple institutions and organizations have compiled various types of emissions datasets[1]; however, they have not focused on PCFs and/or are not delivering the PCFs via a platform that enhances accessibility and reliability.
WikiCarbon has determined that a product carbon footprint (PCF) database is the most relevant type of database/dataset for individuals to: Inform themselves about the emissions intensity of various lifestyle choices. Consumers interact with products every day (e.g., food, beverage, transportation, electronics, etc.), and products are often the single/primary point of exchange between a company and a consumer. As such, PCFs are a great place to start this dialogue (conversation).
A MediaWiki dedicated to compiling PCF data is very much in-line with the Wikimedia Foundation’s mission(s) to disseminate educational content globally. While the singular focus of WikiCarbon currently is compiling PCF emissions data: Other types of emissions data, and/or other environmental data, can and may be made available on WikiCarbon – including educational content like alternative methods for cross-comparison, embodied emissions, emissions and energy, etc.
In the presentation, WikiCarbon will address topics including: (1) Benefit(s) to consumers from a Product-focus; (2) What a MediaWiki provides that other platforms do not or cannot; (2) How we can scale compilation in rapid sequence; and (4) How a MediaWiki facilitates, above all, data reliability (see: Rule 6: Cite, cite, cite).
We would like to discuss with the audience: Strengths and weaknesses of a MediaWiki; improving data reliability (verification); other potential affiliates, in addition to Wikipedia; best ways to attract contributors; how we can support and/or collaborate with Wikimedia editors; and to answer any questions from the audience.
Sincerely, Alexander
[1] National and/or global emissions (World Bank, OECD, WRI, etc.); Third-party life cycle and emissions factors (IPCC, Athena Institute, Bath Inventory (ICE), Defra, Ecoinvent, etc); Corporate emissions (Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) the most established); and Other datasets (https://www.carbonfootprint.com/; Appropedia, https://www.appropedia.org/Welcome_to_Appropedia).
Academic Peer Review option:
- No
Author name:
E-mail address:
- frantzen.alexander
protonmail.com
Wikimedia username:
- WikiCarbon
Affiliated organization(s):
Estimated time:
- 10-15 minutes presentation; the remainder for discussion.
Preferred room size:
- 20-40
Special requests:
- None.
Have you presented on this topic previously? If yes, where/when?:
- No.
If your submission is not accepted, would you be open to presenting your topic in another part of the program? (e.g. lightning talk or unconference session)
- Yes.