UN warns of environmental e-waste catastrophe
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The UN has issued a warning to consumers worldwide. The amount of electronics we are throwing away is at record levels and is creating an "environmental catastrophe". The UN defines electronics as anything with a plug or a battery. They often contain toxic chemicals, such as lead and mercury. E-waste includes cellphones, refrigerators and e-cigarettes. The UN reported that in 2022, the world generated 62 million tons of e-waste. CNN said this could, "fill more than 1.5 million 40-ton trucks which, if placed bumper-to-bumper, could…wrap around the Equator".
Most e-waste comes from developed countries. A lot of it is sent for recycling to poor countries. These often lack the resources to recycle in a way that minimizes environmental damage. E-waste is creating many health problems. It is poisoning rivers and seas. Worryingly, 58 tons of mercury entered the environment last year. Some of this got into the food chain. The UN blamed manufacturers for failing to accept responsibility for what happens to their products. It also blamed consumers, saying, "it's just a few clicks" to buy electronics, but "it's far more difficult to dispose of them".
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