Mains Question:
Although developed countries are currently producing large amounts of electronic waste, the rate at which e-waste production is growing in developing countries is a major concern. Address the causes resulting in the ‘exportation’ of e-waste to developing countries, and possible mitigation strategies to address this growing environmental justice issue. (250 words)
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Question Mapping
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Approach
- Introduction- Brief about growing e-waste issue and global waste trade.
- Causes/Reason
- growing demand for electronics
- High cost of recycling
- Easy dumping option
- Discuss impact on developing countries
- Environmental justice issue
- Health issues (thyroid problems, neurodevelopmental deficits and cancer)
- Illegal waste trafficking
- List out important challenges
- illegal movement of e-waste from developed countries to their developing counterparts
- informal recycling operations (health impacts and environmental damage)
- Suggest ways to negate the negative externalities of e-waste
- Clarifying international guidelines for re-integrating discarded technology into new products
- creating a e-waste circular economy
- designing products in way that supports reuse, durability and eventually safe recycling
- proper disposal at individual level
- Mention Basel Convention, 1989 (treaty to prevent the movement of hazardous waste from developed to developing countries)
- Wrap up your answer with a way forward
*Also mention how a connected global economy means countries are trading not only products and chemicals, but waste.
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