Aug 10, 2022Big Tech & the ClimateAre global tech companies actually reducing their GHG emissions? — Attention of environmental, social, and governance issues is at an all time high. With this must come attention for the private sector’s responsibility. Corporate actors must acknowledge their impact and mitigate any negative consequences. And we are seeing more resources and awareness directed in this direction, too — both in…Big Tech7 min readBig Tech7 min read
Jun 23, 2022Der ökologische Fußabdruck digitaler TechnologienObwohl Nachhaltigkeit in aller Munde ist, ist es überraschend, wie wenig oder wie selten das Internet aus Umweltperspektive beleuchtet wird. In den wenigen Artikeln, die den digitalen ökologischen Fußabdruck abbilden, wird auf grobe Schätzungen zurückgegriffen. So ist der IKT-Sektor laut einem Bericht der Europäischen Kommission für etwa 2% der globalen…Nachhaltigkeit3 min readNachhaltigkeit3 min read
Jan 30, 2022The UK’s fight against Greenwashing. And why the Oatly case presents a conundrum.In September ’21, the UK’s Competition and Market Authority reiterated that under consumer protection law, companies must not mislead their consumers. In plain speak: greenwashing is illegal. And rightly so. The continued focus on polished marketing pitches, pledging unverified net-zero targets distracts from the dire need to redefine what we…Greenwashing2 min readGreenwashing2 min read
Jul 29, 2021Court Orders Shell To Set Stricter Climate Targets — Other Companies Should FollowTargets Must Include Scope 3 Emissions On May 26, 2021, the Dutch District Court in The Hague (Rechtbank Den Haag) issued a landmark ruling in support of fighting the climate crisis. Upon review, the Court deemed Royal Dutch Shell’s current targets inadequate. They stipulated that the global fossil fuel giant’s greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced…Climate Crisis3 min readClimate Crisis3 min read
Jun 25, 2021What We Can Do Better: Imagination and Future Narratives.The Internet’s Environmental Impact. Part 4. “We need courage, not hope.” ~ Kate Marvel The courage to change and adapt our own actions if we want to genuinely do what we can to limit the damages of the climate crisis. In her essay, Marvel also posits: “Hope is a creature…Future Thinking2 min readFuture Thinking2 min read
Jun 18, 2021What We Can Do Better: Managing Change in Businesses.The Internet’s Environmental Footprint. Part 3. The internet’s environmental footprint is sizeable and with 4–7% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the ICT sector is instrumental to tackling the climate crisis. Apart from increasing transparency and better understanding the impact of big tech players across all scopes and categories of the…Environment9 min readEnvironment9 min read
Jun 11, 2021The Internet’s Environmental Footprint. What We Can Do Better: Regulation.The internet is one of the main contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. Compared to countries, it ranks 5th, just after China, the USA, the EU-27, and India, and it exceeds the combined 3.6% impact of the aviation and shipping industry, incl. pre-pandemic slowdowns. As highlighted in the first part…Environment6 min readEnvironment6 min read
Jun 4, 2021The Internet’s Environmental Footprint. Part 1.Ever wondered what the internet’s environmental impact is, how to make sense of greenhouse gas emissions assessments, whether climate neutrality is achievable, or also, what it is that we can do to improve and move towards a sustainable future for all? You’re not alone. I’ve grappled with these undoubtedly very…Environment7 min readEnvironment7 min read
Dec 16, 2020The 2020 rollercoaster: between exhaustion and successThe good thing about 2020? It is almost over. It has been difficult and disruptive and I can’t count the times where I was just so exhausted, tired, frustrated, sad, angry, exasperated — at the world, at isolation, lockdown, the emotional drain, anything and everything. Yet, as I wrote a…Sustainability3 min readSustainability3 min read
Nov 22, 2019How to end the global governance gridlock?Here’s a checklist for increasing impact. It’s generally accepted that democracy is in crisis worldwide, and that spaces for civic participation are shrinking. Meanwhile, the so-called “techlash” is polarising debates around how governments around the world should govern the internet and social media. For years, I’ve heard people talk about fostering dialogue between diverse stakeholder groups…Global Governance20 min readGlobal Governance20 min read
