E-Waste Poses Serious Threat to Environmental Health

NEW YORK- According to a new report formulated by United Nations, around 50 million tonnes of electronic waste, commonly termed as e-waste, is being thrown away each year, exceeding drastically.

In light of this growing menace, 7 entities of United Nations came forward to launch this report at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. They believe that awareness through the report will lead to solutions to control this problem that has been degrading the environment and creating unhealthy surroundings.

The report, “A New Circular Vision for Electronics – Time for a Global Reboot”, calls to introduce a new system that would help in minimizing waste and energy leakage, by collaborating with various brands, enterprises, academia, trade unions and members of civil society.

Director of the Department of Environment at the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Stephan Sicars, referred E-waste as a growing global challenge, posing serious threat to the environment and human health. He further stated that; “In order to minimize this threat, UNIDO works with various UN agencies and other partners on a range of e-waste projects, all of which are underpinned by a circular economy approach.”

It was revealed that the Nigerian Government, the Global Environment Facility and UN Environment recently announced a $2 million investment to formalize an e-waste recycling industry in Nigeria. The new investment will leverage over $13 million in additional financing from the private sector.

Director-General, International Labour Organization (ILO), Guy Ryder highlighted the high amount of e-waste that is being disposed off by the world’s poorest workers, putting their lives at stake. In order to stop this, better strategies are required to control this growing menace to benefit both, human beings and our planet.