2025 has been a whirlwind of change and challenge. It felt like the topic of digital sustainability truly broke into the mainstream consciousness this year, but with that attention came tough scrutiny, particularly concerning the ethical and environmental impact of AI and Big Tech.
However, as a solutions-focused organisation, we refuse to let the challenges overshadow the progress. Reflecting on the year that’s almost past, we found reasons to be hopeful. We’ve had the privilege of delving into truly inspiring projects and innovations that are actively shaping a greener digital future.
To celebrate this optimism, we asked everyone in the Berlin team to pick their single most uplifting article of the year to share with you—a curated dose of hope to carry into the new year.
Kezia Rice, International Editor
“Understanding data centres–how they operate, what impact they have upon the environment and what we must do to make them more sustainable–is a tricky task.
Thankfully, this interview with Doctor Ralph Hintemann from the Borderstep Institute covers all of this and more. From the types of servers needed to run AI to specific policies relating to waste heat reuse, this article digs into all the details on data centres you need.”
Read the full article: “Data Centres Will Account for the Majority of Digitalisation’s CO2 Emissions”: An Interview With Ralph Hintemann (Borderstep Institute)
Cholena de Koningh, Social Media Manager
“Since I started working for RESET earlier this year, I’ve learned how deeply the digital world is harming our planet due to the same wasteful, growth-obsessed logic as most of our society. This article especially stood out for me because it frames “Permacomputing” as a turn away from a Western mindset toward a more Indigenous, sustainable way of thinking.
It applies the practices of permaculture, like composting, to our digital infrastructure, treating it not as disposable but as a living system to be maintained and regenerated. In doing so, it shows how ancient wisdom can solve modern problems.”
Read the full article: Permacomputing – How the Concept of Permaculture Is Being Adapted to the Digital World
Benjamin Lucks, DACH Editor
“A lot of talk on AI is centered around doom and gloom. But, let’s face it, it’s probably not going anywhere soon. However, we believe that with the right mindset, AI can be developed and used sustainably. This article forms a genuinely useful guide to when and how to use the new tools proliferating our digital sphere for both developers and users alike.”
Read the full article: Looking at the Entire Life Cycle: Tips for Sustainable AI Development and Use
Lana O’Sullivan, International Editor
“I am always uplifted by stories of communities that support each other in the face of hostility, and Kezia’s article about The Engine Room from this summer was just that. This inspiring non-profit supports, guides and serves the Latin American journalism community towards building a healthier digital ecosystem, where hacking, misinformation and linguistic injustice are things of the past.”
Read the full article: How The Engine Room Inspires “A Renewed Sense of Hope” in the Face of Misinformation
Indra Jungblut, Editorial Lead
“Even though many disagree with how the major social media platforms operate, few are finding their way to the alternatives. This article opens up this other, friendlier world of social networks and encourages readers to reset their own communication channels.”
Read the full article: A Better Social Media: How to Successfully Switch To Decentralised Social Networks
Uta Mühleis, CEO and Founder
“Data donation, i.e. the voluntary provision of personal data for ecological and social purposes, represents significant potential for promoting sustainability. However, this potential is often limited by low participation rates. It is up to us to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Read the full article: Data Donation: How Our Digital Traces Could Benefit Society
From all of us at RESET, we wish you a peaceful, hopeful and optimistic start to the New Year.
