Environmental Case Studies: The Impact of E-waste
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is the fastest growing form of domestic waste globally. In 2019, around 50 million metric tonnes of e-waste were produced, with only 20% being recycled. This has significant environmental and social implications as e-waste contains toxic substances that can contaminate the environment and harm human health. Additionally, e-waste contains valuable and non-renewable resources that are not being efficiently utilized. The disposal of e-waste, primarily through landfill deposition and incineration, poses contamination risks and releases toxic gases into the atmosphere. Furthermore, the uneven political economy of e-waste disposal leads to the exportation of waste from developed nations to developing nations, causing social and environmental externalities. It is estimated that 80% of e-waste produced in developed nations is exported to countries like Thailand. The physiological impacts of e-waste exposure on individuals in these regions have been studied, rev...