Internet Research Task Force SUSTAIN Research Group invited me to give a sociotechnical keynote on how to build a sustainable internet for a resilient future. I proposed the method ‘Serious Solarpunk’ based on my research.
Serious Solarpunk
‘Serious Solarpunk’ is is not a utopia but a sociotechnical possibility for a sustainable future–for building a combined resilient, green energy network, internet, and place together.
It involves 8 assessment criteria: Beacon, Collaboration, Ownership, Governance, Liveability, Topology, Ingenious, Longevity.
Worksheet
As part of the method I put together the ‘Serious Solarpunk’ project worksheet, which is intended for internet infrastructure projects to implement, step-by-step, as they identify the places and communities they need to collaborate with. The process involves working through project design & implementation with these chosen places and the local power grid–so that the infrastructure is properly integrated and embedded in the location. This makes for combined place, internet, and power grid reslience and longevity.
Feedback
The IRTF SUSTAIN RG gave some great feedback, including reflections on the difference between federation and franchise–and the role of local governance. And I’m always open to further thoughts.
I’m also happy to bring the method and talk to you, so drop me a line if you want to know more.