The Museum of Digital Society: A Living Archive of Digital Inclusion
Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) and the Council for Social and Digital Development (CSDD), organised a two-day Technical Workshop & Consultation on ‘Tackling Harms of Digital Tech on Environment and Climate’. Held in Muffakham Jah College of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, this workshop aimed to address the escalating environmental concerns arising from India’s rapid digital transformation. The primary focus was to explore strategies for balancing digital rights with environmental sustainability through the adoption of a Digital Circular Economy framework.
Day 1: Understanding the Environmental and Climate Change Impact of Digital Technology
The workshop commenced with an insightful session led by Dr. Syed S. Kazi, Director of CSDD. Dr. Kazi provided an overview of India’s digital landscape, highlighting the exponential growth in digital adoption and its adverse environmental consequences. With India emerging as the second-largest importer of electronic goods globally, concerns regarding electronic waste generation, energy consumption, and resource depletion have intensified.
Dr. Kazi emphasised the urgent need for a paradigm shift towards a circular economy approach to mitigate the environmental harms caused by digital technology. Participants engaged in discussions surrounding the extraction and production processes of digital infrastructure components, such as rare-earth elements, and their detrimental effects on the environment. The session raised critical questions regarding the accountability of stakeholders in tracking environmental impact, safeguarding natural resources, and mapping pollution levels.
Session 2: Balancing Digital Rights with Environmental Rights and Climate Justice
Mr. Osama Manzar, Founder & Director of DEF, facilitated an interactive session focusing on the intersection of digital rights, environmental protection, and climate justice. Participants deliberated on policy frameworks to promote sustainable digital consumption while preserving digital access and rights. The concept of the “5 R’s” model (reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, redesign) was discussed as a guiding principle for achieving a circular economy in the digital realm.
The session underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and legislative interventions to ensure corporate and consumer responsibility in mitigating the environmental impact of digital technology. Participants explored potential policy measures, such as incentives for eco-friendly technology adoption, extended producer responsibility laws, and green public procurement policies.
Session 3: Sustainable Digital Practices in India
Mr. Shailendra Singh Bisht presented a compelling case study on Recykled Power, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in balancing digital efficiency with environmental sustainability. The case study illustrated the dilemma faced by organizations striving to meet client demands while upholding sustainability principles. Participants engaged in discussions surrounding the role of innovation in driving responsible digital practices and the need for a holistic approach to sustainability in the digital sector.
The session emphasised the importance of collaboration between industry, academia, and government agencies to promote sustainable digital practices. Participants explored potential solutions, including the promotion of repair and refurbishment services, eco-labeling schemes, and the integration of sustainability education into curriculums.
Day 2: Policy and Governance for Environmental Sustainability
Dr. Ashutosh Mohanty led a session focused on policy and governance frameworks for promoting environmental sustainability in the digital sector. Dr. Mohanty highlighted the need for integrated policy approaches that encompass the entire lifecycle of digital technologies, from manufacturing to disposal. Participants discussed potential interventions, such as renewable energy mandates, extended producer responsibility laws, and green public procurement policies.
The session emphasised the importance of collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and civil society organisations to address the environmental challenges posed by digital technology. Participants explored strategies for mainstreaming sustainability training and disclosures across the tech sector and fostering communities of practice to define frameworks for environmental governance.
Session 5: Digital Circular Economy and Digital Environmental Sustainability
Mr. Rajbir Singh delved into the concept of a digital circular economy and its role in mitigating the environmental impact of digital technologies. Participants explored innovative solutions for reducing carbon emissions, minimising e-waste, and promoting sustainable consumption habits. Real-world examples showcased the potential of circular economy initiatives to drive positive environmental outcomes in the digital sector.
The session highlighted the importance of change in personal online behaviours and within tech companies to reduce emissions in line with sustainability targets. Participants discussed the environmental impact of e-waste from the lifecycle of electronic devices and the importance of conscious efforts such as repair, refurbish, reuse, and authorised recycling.
Session 6: Action Planning and Collaboration
Mr. Ambar Nag outlined actionable steps for collaboration among stakeholders to address the environmental challenges posed by digital technology. Participants developed a comprehensive action plan encompassing e-waste management, sustainable consumption practices, policy advocacy, and promotion of circular economy initiatives. The plan emphasised the importance of community engagement, policy advocacy, and technological innovation in achieving environmental sustainability goals.
Plan for Collaboration
e-waste Management
- Partner with local communities and informal waste pickers to improve collection infrastructure and ensure safe handling practices.
- Advocate for effective implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies that hold manufacturers accountable for e-waste management.
- Raise awareness about responsible e-waste disposal through community outreach programs and educational campaigns.
- Collaborate with recyclers and government agencies to establish ethical and sustainable e-waste processing facilities.
Sustainable Consumption
- Educate consumers about the environmental footprint of their digital devices and encourage responsible purchasing habits.
- Promote repair and refurbishment services as an alternative to constant upgrades, extending product lifespans.
- Advocate for eco-labeling schemes that inform consumers about the environmental impact of different products.
- Partner with schools and educational institutions to integrate sustainability education into curriculums, fostering responsible digital citizenship.
Policy and Advocacy
- Collaborate with other NGOs and civil society organisations to advocate for stronger environmental regulations for the digital sector.
- Engage with policymakers to ensure EPR implementation and promote extended warranties and right-to-repair legislation.
- Raise public awareness about the environmental impact of digital technology and pressure companies to adopt more sustainable practices.
Circular Economy
- Support and promote innovative circular economy initiatives that focus on material reuse and recycling within the digital sector.
- Collaborate with industry stakeholders and research institutions to develop and implement effective closed-loop systems.
- Advocate for government policies that incentivize circular practices and discourage linear consumption patterns.
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