Methodology

CW Earth uses a source-led method designed to make environmental information useful without overstating what the available record can prove.

1. Define the question

Every record begins with a clear public-interest question: what changed, where, over what period, according to which source, and which institution or legal duty is relevant?

2. Prefer primary and authoritative material

Priority is given to legislation, gazettes, court and tribunal records, official statistics, public datasets, recognised scientific observations and peer-reviewed research. Secondary reporting may help identify an issue, but it does not replace the underlying record where that record is available.

3. Identify the evidence type

Measured observations, administrative records, satellite-derived information, modelled estimates, reported allegations and legal findings are classified separately. The platform does not present one category as another.

4. Check context and comparability

Review considers dates, units, geographic coverage, methodology, revisions, baseline choices and known limitations. Values are not compared across sources or periods unless the comparison is methodologically defensible.

5. Connect evidence to law and responsibility

Where relevant, a record identifies the applicable legal instrument, public authority, stated commitment, inspection, enforcement action, court direction or implementation status. Legal information is presented for public understanding and is not case-specific legal advice.

6. Publish with traceability

Substantive pages should display the source name, observation or publication period, geographic scope, review date, methodology note and limitations. Corrections and material updates should remain visible.