Jenna Jambeck

A mobile app developed by two associate professors in the University of Georgia College of Engineering is one of the environmental success stories being shared this weekend at the Earth Optimism Summit in Washington, D.C. Organized by the Smithsonian Institution, the three-day event is designed to highlight progress in efforts to conserve the planet.

Jenna Jambeck will present information on the Marine Debris Tracker in an “Apps for the Planet” session Friday afternoon. Developed with Kyle Johnsen, a fellow associate professor in the UGA College of Engineering, the Marine Debris Tracker is a mobile app that allows users to catalogue trash they find on coastlines and waterways. The app records the debris location through GPS and submits it to the Marine Debris Tracker website.

Jambeck also will participate in a “Story Collider” session with other scientists Friday evening.

You can watch a live stream of the Earth Optimism Summit at this link.

VIDEO

Animation of the data collected by citizens all over the world with Marine Debris Tracker.  [Blue = plastic; yellow = paper; =orange = cloth; purple = fishing gear; red = metal; green = other items]