Inspiration
The main inspiration behind the CarbonKarma project is the pressing need to address the growing issue of climate change and carbon emissions. We recognized the importance of providing users with tangible incentives to make more environmentally conscious travel choices.
What it does
CarbonKarma is a decentralized finance (DeFi) application built on the Ripple XRPL blockchain that rewards users with our cryptocurrency called CRBT (CarbonReward Token) for choosing sustainable modes of transportation. The platform leverages Google's travel data and the Carbon Interface API to calculate the carbon emissions associated with different travel options and then converts the emission amount into the CRBT tokens.
How we built it
The CarbonKarma platform is built using a combination of technologies, including the Ripple XRPL blockchain, Google's travel data, and the Carbon Interface API. The front end of the application was developed using React, providing a seamless and user-friendly interface.
We developed a backend using Node.js to integrate these components. The core functionality of the platform involves executing smart contracts in Solidity on the XRPL ledger. When a user travel data is logged, the backend system retrieves the necessary information from Google's travel data and the Carbon Interface API to calculate the carbon emissions associated with the user's journey. This emission amount is then used to generate CRBT (CarbonReward Token) tokens, which are credited to the user's XRPL wallet.
Challenges we ran into
One of the main challenges we faced was integrating the various data sources and APIs to accurately calculate the carbon emissions for different modes of transportation. Additionally, we had to navigate the complexities of implementing a blockchain-based system to manage the CRBT tokens and ensure a secure and transparent user experience.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We are proud of creating a platform that effectively incentivizes users to make more environmentally-conscious travel choices. By leveraging the power of blockchain technology and financial rewards, we have developed a unique approach to addressing the climate crisis and promoting sustainable transportation.
What we learned
We learned about the importance of data integration, API integration, and blockchain implementation in creating a comprehensive solution to environmental issues. Additionally, the team gained experience in developing a DeFi application and understanding the intricacies of cryptocurrency-based reward systems.
What's next for CarbonKarma
We want to add verification for user travel data using 3rd party APIs for public transport and flights, to ensure the accuracy of the carbon emission calculations and the corresponding CRBT token rewards.
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