Bits und Bäume

Bits & Bäume is a dynamic movement that consists of a coalition of 13 organizations from the fields of environmental, climate, digital, and development policy as well as science. Founded in 2018, the movement has developed into a central force for sustainable and socially just digitalization.

Our main mission is to shape digitalization in a way that serves the common good and social as well as ecological change. We advocate for digital technologies to contribute to improving living conditions and the environment within planetary boundaries, rather than exacerbating existing crises. Our values are based on promoting equal societal participation, data protection, and the protection of human rights and the environment.

• Conferences and Events: We regularly organize large conferences, such as the "Bits & Bäume" conferences in 2018 and 2022, which attract thousands of participants and cover a variety of topics such as Open Data, the Repair Movement, and digital colonialism.
• Political Demands: In the lead-up to our conferences, we have directed over 60 political demands to the federal government, the European Union, and political decision-makers worldwide to outline concrete pathways for sustainable digitalization.
• Community and Regional Groups: Our movement includes a growing community and regional subgroups in eight major cities/regions that organize their own events and activities.
• Publications and Resources: We have published the book "What Connects Bits and Bäume," which collects contributions and perspectives on our digital future. Additionally, there is a handbook created in collaboration with BUND that discusses the impacts of digitalization on social and ecological issues.

• Environmental and Climate Protection: We demand that digital technologies be used within planetary boundaries to reduce energy demand and resource consumption and to promote social and ecological goals.
• Social Participation: We advocate for equal societal participation, especially in the Global South, to ensure that no one is excluded from the benefits of digitalization.
• Data Protection and Human Rights: We emphasize the importance of data protection and the safeguarding of human rights in the digital age.
• Education and Awareness: Through our events, publications, and community activities, we promote awareness of the necessity for sustainable digitalization and provide platforms for exchange and education.

• New Coordination Office: Since August 2023, a new coordination office has been established at Germanwatch to sustain the work of the movement and critically accompany political processes.
• Regional and Online Activities: Our regional groups and online community remain active and regularly organize events and meetings to advance the goals of the movement.

Bits & Bäume is a vibrant example of how civil society organizations, science, and political actors can come together to shape a future-oriented and sustainable digitalization.

• 1 - https://bits-und-baeume.org
• 2 - https://bits-und-baeume.org/struktur-und-team/
• 3 - https://www.germanwatch.org/de/bits-und-baeume
• 4 - https://www.germanwatch.org/de/88688
• 5 - https://okfn.de/projekte/bits-und-baeume/