U.N. Agencies Warn of Increasing Global E-Waste Crisis
In a recent report, U.N. agencies have sounded the alarm on the growing global e-waste crisis. According to the report, a staggering 62 million tons of electronic waste was generated in 2022, with that number expected to reach 82 million tons by 2030.
Despite the increase in e-waste generation, only 22% of it was collected and recycled in 2022, a number that is expected to drop to 20% in the coming years. This is concerning given that metals like copper, gold, and iron make up half of e-waste, while plastics account for a whopping 17 million tons.
Even more alarming is the fact that hazardous elements such as mercury and rare Earth metals are found in discarded devices, posing significant health and environmental risks. Asia generates half of all e-waste, with Africa having the lowest recycling rates.
The majority of e-waste is harvested in the developing world for cash, despite the known health risks. However, efforts are being made to address this issue, with Nairobi’s WEEE center offering safe disposal options and reusing items when possible.
There are also growing concerns about e-waste contaminating soil and water supplies, further highlighting the urgent need for greater training and support for those involved in e-waste harvesting and recycling efforts.
As the global e-waste crisis continues to escalate, it is crucial that we take action to reduce our electronic waste footprint and ensure that it is properly recycled and disposed of. By working together, we can help protect our planet and future generations from the harmful effects of e-waste pollution.
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