People in Dundee 'encouraged to speak to' lamp posts, bus shelters, and fences about climate change

Members of the public are being “encouraged to speak to” lamp posts, bus shelters, and fences in Dundee about climate change.

It comes after interactive signs were installed around the city earlier this year with QR and text message codes as part of the Hello Lamp Post project.

The platform is an artificial intelligence chatbot which shares information, quizzes with prize draws, and consults with the public about climate change.

“Following seasonal updates to the Hello Lamp Post platform, members of the public are being encouraged to start up a conversation with lamp posts, bus shelters, and fences in Dundee about the climate and nature emergency,” a social media post from the city council said.

Those that take part will be in with a chance of winning a £20 Dundee Loves Local gift card.

Climate, environment and biodiversity convener councillor Heather Anderson said: “Climate change is already having an impact on Dundonians and we want to make it as easy as possible for people across the city to find out more about the challenges we face and how we might address them.

“The council has a lead role to work with communities, the public sector and businesses to agree the actions the city will take, but we need everyone to be engaged in this conversation. Hello Lamp Post helps us have conversations with individuals about what they think is important and what they can each do directly.

“Hello Lamp Post is easy to use – with no apps needed to be downloaded, and there’s the added bonus that those taking part could win a £20 Dundee Loves Local Gift Card too.”

Depute convener for climate, environment and biodiversity councillor Nadia El-Nakla said: “The platform is a two-way conversation, with the views picked up from locals being used as valuable ways to understand community perceptions on climate change.

“The information on Hello Lamp Post is also updated based on the feedback received from the public and, over time, will continue to be developed further based on the virtual conversations that take place.

“I would urge anyone who sees the signs to give it a go. The tool can be a unique way to learn about some of the great work already taking place in Dundee to address the climate and nature emergency – showing off some things that residents might not be aware of that are happening right around the corner from them.”