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Taking Action for environmental responsibility

At Wikimedia CH, we’re committed to reducing our environmental impact and supporting climate action through concrete, measurable steps, both in our operations and our activities.

Why we’re taking action

Climate catastrophes are becoming more frequent and more disastrous every year. While the environmental impact of industry, fossil fuels and air travel has been known for decades, recently, attention has turned to the impact of online platforms. Data centres rely on important volumes of electricity, and as internet use expands, so does energy consumption. Through this work, we aim to set an example in sustainable innovation, transparency and tangible practices that support both environmental and social sustainability.

Our Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

1

We look at the impact our own policies and activities have on the environment, doing our part to reduce our footprint while upholding our values of transparency and accountability.

2

We engage in advocacy and awareness around climate change and the inequalities it exacerbates.

3

We support activities and initiatives that create, promote and share all information about climate change on Wikipedia and other Wikimedia platforms.

4

Wkimimedia CH is giving grants to (co-)finance projects. Therefore, we demand several criteria to reduce their climate relevant impact.

Our climate action so far

Wikimedia CH has taken several steps toward environmental sustainability. We also proofed our commitment tby signing the "Wikimedia Affiliates Environmental Sustainability Covenant".

Wikimedia CH has analysed our carbon footprint by consulting with external experts. The aim is to quantify and to reduce our chapter’s environmental impact.

Wikimedia CH is a 100 % virtual organisation. Operating without a physical office for our employees, we intend to reduce our daily operational impact on our ecological footprint.

Wikimedia CH has implemented a travel policy committing to travel by public transportation whenever possible and limiting in-person engagements when virtual will suffice.

Examples of our Activities

Hosting climate-focused edit-a-thons and workshops to ensure Wikipedia content on climate change remains accurate and up to date.
Supporting digitisation of Swiss cultural collections to protect them from potential climate-related catastrophes.
Launching our Innovation Programme, which has been tasked with exploring how Wikimedia projects can address climate change.
Collaborating with like-minded organisations to create network of sustainability partners who support and learn from each other.