In Melbourne, Australia, a software engineer is working on an unconventional project aimed at keeping local communities digitally connected even in the event of power and internet outages caused by natural disasters.
The project relies on a small, palm-sized Raspberry Pi computer bearing the striking message: "Use when the climate breaks down."
According to a report published by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the initiative is spearheaded by engineer Jed Ambrose, a member of a group founded in 2023 to develop local alternatives to the services of major technology companies.
The group seeks to create a network of small servers powered by renewable energy, distributed to libraries, community centers, and homes, enabling the exchange of information and essential digital services during emergencies.
Twenty people have expressed their willingness to host the devices in their homes, but the project has not yet received approval from any community center to host its servers, and the proposed network is not yet ready to operate when the internet is down.
The initiative falls under a trend known as “digital sovereignty,” which aims to give societies greater ability to manage their technological infrastructure and reduce their dependence on giant corporations, while enhancing their preparedness to face climate crises