Climate Activism, Digital Technologies, and Organizational Change

This Element explores NGOs' use of digital technology in climate activism, focusing on the benefits and downsides of using technology to push for political change. It explores how social media and satellites are used to mobilize people and analyze environmental data, highlighting the influence of technology on activists' goals and strategies.

Non-governmental and civil society organizations have long been recognized as crucial players in climate politics. Today, thanks to the internet, social media, satellite, and more, climate activists are pioneering new organizational forms and strategies. Organizations like Fridays for Future, 350.org, and GetUp! have used social media and other digital platforms to mobilize millions of people. Many NGOs use digital tools to collect and analyze ''big data'' on environmental factors, and to investigate and prosecute environmental crimes. Although the rise of digitally based advocacy organizations is well documented, we know less about how digital technologies are used in different aspects of climate activism, and with what effects. On this basis, we ask: how do NGOs use digital technology to campaign for climate action? What are the benefits and downsides of using technology to push for political change? To what extent does technology influence the goals activists strive for and their strategies.