The Keeling Curve Prize is very likely the first prize to be named after a dataset—one of the most recognizable climate data visualizations, tracking atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations since 1958. 

So that should give you a hint that this prize, about to start its second annual open call for proposals, is serious about climate change. In fact, in a crowded field of philanthropic prizes and challenges, it’s one of the few entirely focused on the issue. 

While relatively small, the competition has compelling features, mainly the fact that it rewards 10 winners at a time, equally, representing a mix o