Context:
Fourth Global E-waste Monitor (GEM) 2024 Report Released
Global E-Waste Monitor (GEM) Report:
- Prepared by – UNITAR’s Sustainable Cycles (SCYCLE) Programme, ITU (International Telecommunication Union) and Fondation Carmignac.
Key Findings:
- Record E-Waste Generation – 62 million tonnes of e-waste produced in 2022, up 82% from 2010 and is expected to rise by 32% to 82 million tonnes by 2030.
- Recycling Gap – Only 1% of rare earth element demand is met by e-waste recycling.
- E-waste generation – Increasing 5 times faster than documented e-waste recycling.
- India’s Status – India is one of the world’s largest generators of e-waste at 4137 million kg.
E-waste:
- E-waste – Refers to all items of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and its parts that have been discarded by its owner as waste without the intent of re-use.
- Concerns –
- Toxic materials or can produce toxic chemicals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, nickel etc.
- Can cause adverse neonatal outcomes
- Can affect lung and respiratory function
E-Waste Management in India:
- Environment and Forests Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Regulations of 2008
- E-waste (Management and Handling) Regulations of 2010 –
- Governed by the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986
- Extended producer’s responsibility (EPR) was its main feature
- E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 – To digitize the e-waste management process and enhance visibility.
Source: Deccan Herald
Previous Year Question
“Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by:
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(b) The UNEP Secretariat
(c) The UNFCCC Secretariat
(d) The World Meteorological Organisation
Answer: (c)
