Question: Consider the following statements:
(1) As of Global E-waste Monitor 2020 report a record 53.6 million metric tonnes (Mt) of e-waste was reportedly generated worldwide in 2019.
(2) Asia generated the highest quantity of e-waste in 2019.
Of the above correct statement/s is/are:
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1&2
(d) None of the above
Answer: (c)
Related facts:
- The third edition of the Global E-waste Monitor 2020 was launched in July 2020.
- This report provides comprehensive insight to address the global e-waste challenge.
- The Global E-waste Monitor is a collaborative effort between the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Sustainable Cycles (SCYCLE) Programme currently co-hosted by the United Nations University (UNU) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA).
Report findings:
- A record 53.6 million metric tonnes (Mt) of e-waste – discarded products with a battery or plug such as computers and mobile phones – is reported generated worldwide in 2019, up 9.2 Mt in five years.
- The new report also predicts global e-waste will reach 74 Mt by 2030, almost double the 2014 figure.
- However,in 2019, only 17.4 per cent of e-waste was officially documented as formally collected and recycled.
- Asia generated the highest quantity of e-waste in 2019 at 24.9 Mt, followed by the Americas (13.1 Mt) and Europe (12 Mt), while Africa and Oceania generated 2.9 Mt and 0.7 Mt, respectively.
- The value of raw materials in the global e-waste generated in 2019 is equal to approximately $57 billion USD. Iron, copper, and gold contribute mostly to this value.
- The number of countries that have adopted a national e-waste policy, legislation or regulation has increased from 61 to 78 between 2014 and 2019 including India.
- ITU Member States also set a target to raise the percentage of countries with an e-waste legislation to 50 per cent – or 97 countries – by 2023.
By-Amar Mani Upadhyay
Links:
http://ewastemonitor.info/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/GEM_2020_def_july1_low.pdf#.