IGF 2023 Lightning Talk #3 The Internet’s Carbon Curse: Can We Break It?

Time
Sunday, 8th October, 2023 (00:00 UTC) - Sunday, 8th October, 2023 (00:30 UTC)
Room
SC – Room H
Subtheme

Sustainability & Environment
Digital Technologies to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals
Existing and New Technologies as Climate Risks

Gabriel Karsan
Gabriel Karsan Emerging Youth Initiative Civil Society Group Africa Region

Edinam Lily Botsoye University of Cinncinatti Academia Group America Region

Thoko Miya GirlsHype Initiative Private Sector Africa Group

ENERST  MAFUTA  KATOKA Chair Affordable  Internet  Access SIG - Internet Society

Speakers

Edinam Lily Botsoye University of Cinncinatti Academia Group America Region

Dr. Monojit Das PhD Internet Governance Researcher Asia Group

ENERST  MAFUTA  KATOKA Chair Affordable  Internet  Access SIG - Internet Society

Onsite Moderator

Gabriel Karsan

Online Moderator

Thoko Miya

Rapporteur

Ernest Mafuta

SDGs

7. Affordable and Clean Energy
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
12. Responsible Production and Consumption
13. Climate Action
17. Partnerships for the Goals

Targets: Here are som connections to SDGs - SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. The session will discuss how to reduce the energy consumption and emissions of the internet and its users, and how to promote the use of renewable energy sources and technologies in the internet infrastructure and services. - SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. The session will explore how to foster innovation and sustainable development in the internet industry, and how to build resilient and inclusive internet infrastructure that can support social and economic growth and connectivity for all people. - SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. The session will address how to encourage responsible consumption and production patterns among internet users and stakeholders, and how to minimize the environmental impact and waste of the internet devices, platforms and services. - SDG 13: Climate Action. The session will highlight how the internet contributes to the global climate crisis, and how it can also be a tool for climate action, education, awareness and collaboration among different actors and sectors. - SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The session will demonstrate how to strengthen partnerships among different stakeholders, such as governments, civil society, private sector, technical community and intergovernmental organizations, to achieve a greener and more equitable internet that can support the achievement of the SDGs.

Format

Our talk is a deep dive interactive dialogue with the speaker with a deep interview focused format on our theme, employing storytelling techniques. 10minutes will be set for a collaborative Q&A insight collection and collective live reaction and discussion on our topic.

Duration (minutes)
30
Language

English

Description

the internet is a powerful force for good, connecting us to information, opportunities and each other. But behind the scenes, it also consumes vast amounts of energy and resources, emitting greenhouse gases and exacerbating social and economic disparities. In this lightning talk, we will expose the hidden costs of our digital lifestyles and explore some innovative solutions for a greener and more equitable internet. addresing the following questions: What is the carbon footprint of the internet and how does it affect the global climate emergency? What are the main culprits and contributors of this impact? How can we reduce the environmental burden of the internet and its users? What are some inspiring examples and best practices of green internet initiatives and policies? How can we ensure that the internet is not only green, but also inclusive, affordable and accessible for all people, especially those in developing countries and marginalized communities? How can we harness the internet as a catalyst for climate action, education, awareness and collaboration? How can we cultivate a culture of digital responsibility and literacy among internet users and stakeholders? Some of the solutions we aim to present and discuss with partcipants Using online tools and platforms that measure and offset your digital carbon footprint, for personal agency accountability and contribution Choosing devices, platforms and services that use renewable energy, circular design and ethical practices, example Green Web Foundation and The Green Net Adjusting your online habits and settings to save energy and bandwidth, like simply reducing video quality, turning off autoplay, deleting unused apps and files, and using dark mode to mention a few. Supporting green internet initiatives and policies that promote sustainability and inclusion Using the internet as a tool for climate action, education, awareness and collaboration with emerging Technologies recalibrated for green innovation principles.

We aim to fully utilize the platforms and tools that allow for real-time communication and collaboration among onsite and online participants with interactivity such as equal space such as chat, with Q&A and mentimeter poll to boost arguments and dialogue. The moderator will Encourage dynamic with story themed and data backed provisions and make the dialogue resourceful and with vivd experiences encouraging to ask questions and provide feedback, both verbally and in writing, using the online platforms and tools.