Tactical Tech investigates and builds the capacity of civil society, professionals, and decision-makers to address the environmental impact of digital technologies and how these technologies shape the information landscape around climate action through resources, training, residencies, masterclasses, and toolkits.
From data centers to deep-sea cables and satellite networks, the infrastructures behind our digital world have a significant environmental and ecological footprint. At the same time, digital technologies play a critical role in shaping how society understands and responds to the climate crisis. Increasingly, actors use data-driven tools to craft narratives—some of which may mislead or create confusion. We are all aware of the challenges, but, can can be done?
Digital Influence and Climate Action
Understanding and disrupting the ways in which digital technologies are reshaping public understanding and political will on climate action.
Digital Influence and Climate Friction Gathering 2024
From December 2–4, 2024, Tactical Tech brought together 35 cross-sector leaders, researchers, artists, journalists, community organizers, and communications professionals from 14 countries at Publix House of Journalism in Berlin to explore how AI, algorithms, and targeted disinformation are slowing down climate action and ask what can be done in response. In 2025, we will continue to strengthen these conversations and create resources that showcase effective strategies for supporting grassroots climate action. More information
Article: When big tech meets big oil: Information pollution & climate action. By Lili Fuhr (CIEL) and Stephanie Hankey (Tactical Tech) for Project Syndicate
What happens when digital business models fuel disinformation and delay climate justice? In this piece for Project Syndicate, Lili Fuhr (CIEL) and Stephanie Hankey (Tactical Tech) trace how information pollution powered by Big Tech is quietly derailing meaningful climate action. Read the article here
Media Literacy & Climate Action
Sparking conversations and proactive actions among civil society that mitigate the environmental impact of digital technologies and the way they reshape public understanding and political will on climate action.
An engaging, portable exhibition featuring playful posters and interactive activities that explore technology, Artificial Intelligence, and their impacts. The Erasing the Internet poster set invites audiences to rethink the invisible infrastructures that keep us constantly connected. Through striking visuals and sharp insights, these posters expose the environmental impact of technologies we take for granted, from energy-hungry data centres to deep-sea cables and satellite networks.
"Everything Will Be Fine" is an impactful large installation exploring technology’s influence on global crises like climate change and pandemics. Blending artworks, research, and tech, this adaptable experience is perfect for conferences, galleries, museums, festivals and public spaces. Contact us to learn how to host this installation that creates a unique, impactful experience for your audiences.
Data Detox Guides
Practical tips to reduce our digital footprint.
How many trees does it take to power the internet?
A Data Detox on the hidden environmental cost of our digital lives. Streaming a video, sending an email, or storing files in the cloud may feel light and effortless, but every click comes with a carbon cost. This Data Detox reveals the often overlooked environmental impact of our online habits, showing how digital technologies already emit more carbon than the aviation industry. More information
Repairing Is Caring: Sustain your devices to reduce e-waste (and save money)
Why do we replace perfectly good phones after just a few years? This Data Detox guide challenges the throwaway culture of modern technology, offering insights into how short device lifespans fuel environmental harm and electronic waste. Packed with practical tips for maintaining and repairing your devices, the guide makes a strong case: caring for your tech isn’t just smart — it’s an act of environmental responsibility. Learn how to give your gadgets a longer life and rethink your relationship with electronics. More information
Exposing the Invisible resources
Investigation methodologies and tactics for investigators, journalists, and practitioners working in the climate field.
WORKSHOP OUTLINE: Investigating Climate Change Adaptation: Methods and Principles
This workshop introduces participants to basic principles of climate change adaptation. It provides guidance and tips on investigating exposure to climate impacts, vulnerabilities, and coping capacities that participants can apply to their local context. Participants will gain awareness on the complex relationship between climate change, public policies and societal safety, as well as potential wrongdoing related to climate change adaptation. More information
ARTICLE: An Arena for Climate Collaboration: "My climate issue is your climate issue"
“Is there a link between your local river drying up and European policies on climate and energy? Do you know which international energy companies are active in your country or region and what their track record on environmental protection is?” (Jelena Prtorić) The Arena Climate Network is an initiative that aims to promote and support “a cross-border mindset when investigating climate issues and develop the tools that would enable journalists, researchers and concerned citizens to collaborate across borders on climate stories.” More information
GUIDE: No Disaster Is Natural: How investigating climate change adaptation could make a difference
Floods, cyclones, wildfires, etc. Climate disasters and the damage they cause are increasingly making the news. Too often, however, these events are described as natural phenomena, only remotely fuelled by humanity’s unchecked carbon emissions. While reducing emissions is crucial, this article explores possible pathways for investigating climate disasters and how, or whether, communities can adapt to them. It argues that disasters are not the result of natural hazards, but of concrete decisions and actions made by governments, companies, international organizations, and communities. More information
VIDEO: Using Open Data to Assess the Local Impact of Global Warming
Global warming is not only about melting icebergs or expanding deserts, it happens in our backyard as well. It is actually not about global warming anymore, but about local warming. Ornaldo Gjergji, Data Analyst & Data Journalist at OBC Transeuropa, describes how they developed the Glocal Climate Change dashboard to analyse temperature data for more than 100,000 European municipalities in 35 countries, and how this work helps narrate global phenomena at local level. More information
VIDEO: Troubled Waters: Investigating How Intensive Agriculture Pollutes our Waters
Follow an investigation into the pollution of European water sources - both freshwater and groundwater - by agriculture, focusing on pollutants such as pesticides and nitrates. More information
ARTICLE: Greenwashing or Greenbashing: Investigating Claims of Environmental Sustainability
How can we distinguish between authentic and insincere green initiatives and claims? Who is really taking climate change seriously and who isn't? What are the red flags, who are the actors, what are their interests and how can the public gain more awareness? This short article summarizes the main discussions points and resources shared during an online Exposing the Invisible event on "Greenwashing or Greenbashing: Investigating Claims of Environmental Sustainability", hosted in April 2023. More information
