AI is about to make the global e-waste crisis worse
4 hours ago
- #AI Environmental Impact
- #E-Waste Crisis
- #Global Waste Trade
- India generates nearly 2 million tons of e-waste in 2024, marking a 73% increase over five years, positioning it as the world's third-largest e-waste generator.
- Approximately 70% of India's e-waste originates from abroad, with the U.S. being the top exporter of e-waste to developing countries, often disguised as 'used goods' or 'donations'.
- The rapid adoption of AI is projected to contribute an additional 1.2 million to 5 million metric tons of e-waste by 2030 due to the quick obsolescence of high-performance hardware like GPUs and servers.
- Despite the Basel Convention's aim to prevent illegal hazardous waste transfers, enforcement is weak, leading to e-waste being redirected to countries with limited regulations after China's 2018 import ban.
- In India, most e-waste is managed informally through repair, resale, or unsafe recycling practices like open burning and acid baths, with laws primarily targeting businesses rather than the general public.
- Globally, about 80% of e-waste ends up in landfills, exacerbating environmental and health burdens on developing nations due to inadequate collection and recycling systems.