Electronic waste, or e-waste, is a growing problem that has serious implications for the environment and climate change. E-waste refers to any electronic device that is no longer in use, such as computers, televisions, and mobile phones. These devices contain hazardous materials that can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.
According to the World Economic Forum, electronics represent the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. In 2022, it was estimated that 5 billion cell phones would become e-waste. This is a significant problem because e-waste contains toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium that can leach into the soil and water, contaminating the environment and posing a risk to human health with rgards to climate change.
The United Nations has called for a new vision for e-waste based on the “circular economy” concept, whereby a regenerative system can minimize waste and energy leakage. Recycling e-waste from landfills reduces methane emissions, which are 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. The initiative makes the waste pickers more resilient to poverty by providing green jobs that increase their incomes and protect them from the risks of exposure to toxins and heavy metals.