Discover what happens when technology goes dark in different parts of the world. Bangladesh faced a ten-day internet blackout impacting millions, revealing the challenges of communication in crises. South Africa's prolonged power outages tell a tale of resilience and adaptation. In Cuba, game developers thrive amidst frequent blackouts, showcasing creativity against the odds. Innovations like AI-driven water heaters offer a glimpse of sustainable solutions as communities cope with power disruptions, leading to discussions about the broader implications for society.
The internet blackout in Bangladesh revealed the profound disruptions to daily life and the emotional distress caused by losing access to technology.
In South Africa, citizens adapted to chronic power outages by learning schedules and utilizing backup solutions like solar energy, reflecting resilience in adversity.
Deep dives
Impact of Internet Blackouts in Bangladesh
The recent internet blackout in Bangladesh showcased the severe consequences of losing access to technology amid civil unrest. During the government-imposed blackout, citizens experienced significant disruptions to their daily lives, notably in communication, business operations, and essential services. Many individuals relied on communication apps for contact with family, and the lengthy outage caused emotional distress, as well as financial impacts on freelancers reliant on internet access for work. The government's action drew criticism from human rights organizations, which highlighted the importance of maintaining access to information during crises.
Adapting to Power Outages in South Africa
South Africa's persistent load shedding has become a defining feature of daily life as the government implements scheduled power outages to manage strain on the electricity grid. This situation results from years of infrastructural neglect, mismanagement, and a legacy of inequality in energy distribution stemming from apartheid. To mitigate the impact, citizens adapted by learning the load shedding schedules, allowing them to plan accordingly and utilize backup power solutions like solar panels and batteries. Recently, improvements have been noted, with a government minister dedicated to ensuring better management of the energy crisis, though challenges remain concerning illegal connections and infrastructure reliability.
Game Development Challenges in Cuba
Cuban game developers face extraordinary challenges due to the frequent power outages and poor internet conditions that hinder their ability to work effectively. Despite these hurdles, two developers successfully secured an international publishing deal for their game, which they developed over several years, often losing significant amounts of work due to blackouts. The developers highlighted the difficulties of maintaining consistent internet access and the need for innovative adaptations to complete their game. Their persistence serves as an inspiring example of creativity and determination amidst trying circumstances in Cuba's challenging environment.
How do we cope when the tech we rely on stops working? This week we look at different types of blackouts . We explore the Bangladesh internet shutdown, which affected up to 170 million people for 10 days. We turn to South Africa, which experienced 15 years of daily power outages until very recently. Then to a country which still experiences blackouts now - Cuba. We meet the game developers who work even when the electricity cuts off.