IGF 2020 WS #343 Imagining an internet that serves environmental justice

Environmental justice is deeply intertwined with how the internet 'works' - from the extraction of natural resources to produce and power the machines that connect us, to the increasing health and environmental impacts of electronic waste. Dominant narratives focus on the relationship between technolgy and environment at the 'end' of the process, often taking a 'technocentric' perspective. Development of technologies, and processes of participation in that development, are still far from the core of internet governance discourse. This 'birds of a feather' session aims to map key policy "crossroads" between internet governance and environmental justice, and pursue further policy advocacy action. The primary goal of this workshop is to advance the understanding among key actors of how environmental rights can be incorporated into internet governance processes. Speakers are invited to frame the discussion and share practical experiences of using technology for environmental justice and more inclusive approaches to sustainable development. This session will make a first step in crafting a shared policy advocacy agenda for internet governance processes to mitigate the impact of the environmental crisis and promote environmental sustainability.