IGF 2020 WS #349 Environmental data and collective action

Subtheme

Organizer 1: Julián Casasbuenas G., Colnodo
Organizer 2: Shawna Finnegan, Association for Progressive Communications

Speaker 1: Alexandra Lutz, Intergovernmental Organization, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Ajay Singh, Private Sector, Asia-Pacific Group
Speaker 3: Roura Mireia, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Moderator

Julián Casasbuenas G., Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)

Online Moderator

Leandro Navarro, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Rapporteur

Shawna Finnegan, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Format

Round Table - Circle - 60 Min

Policy Question(s)

'How can environmental data foster collective action in response to the climate crisis?' How could policy-making benefit from the analysis of environmental data to better understand impacts of policy decisions on sustainability?

This session will address barriers to access and use environmental data, and seeks to identify opportunities to develop international standards and protocols for collection, access, validation, verification and use of environmental data.

SDGs

GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-Being
GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
GOAL 10: Reduced Inequalities
GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
GOAL 12: Responsible Production and Consumption
GOAL 13: Climate Action
GOAL 14: Life below Water
GOAL 15: Life on Land
GOAL 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
GOAL 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Description:

This session will explore the policy question 'How can environmental data foster collective action in response to the climate crisis?'. The internet, and the data collected and shared through internet-connected devices, has revolutionized the ways in which we can meaningfully contribute to the implementation of policies designed to protect and defend our rights. The COVID19 crisis has revealed the power of data to inform and empower each of us to make decisions that support the well-being of our communities, and contribute to good governance. A roundtable format will faciliate equal opportunities for subject matter experts and participants to reflect on the overarching policy question. Speakers will be invited to share their experiences of accessing, producing, and using environmental data for collective action. The session organizers will then ask participants to reflect on barriers to access, accessibility, and reliability of environmental data, and invite critical analysis of the current landscape of initiatives for data-driven environmental sustainability.

Expected Outcomes

This session is intended to inform best practices and norms for the production, collection, verification, and use of environmental data. Outputs of this session will also feed into processes to map existing initiatives to harness environmental data, including tools to monitor the status of the environment and energy consumption.

The session organizers have chosen a round table format to enable all participants, online and onground, to share their experiences and ask questions. Speakers will offer insight into key policy issues, and invite all participants to collectively reflect on strategies. An online etherpad will be set up before the session and organizers will invite input and respond to specific questions and ideas through social media.

Relevance to Internet Governance: Data governance is an essential component of internet governance. Collective action to respond to the environmental crisis required international norms and standards of how environmental data is produced, collected, and disseminated.

Relevance to Theme: This session responds to key policy questions relating to the use of data to address climate change and foster change in various sectors. Participants in this session will explore how environmental data can impact social change through collective action, including policy intervention.

Online Participation

 

Usage of IGF Official Tool. Additional Tools proposed: Session organizers will use an online etherpad and social media to facilitate remote participation.