 | Global electronic waste generation reached a record 62 million metric tons (Mt) in 2022, marking an 82 per cent increase since 2010. Only 22.3 per cent was officially collected and recycled. This resource loss, alongside rising temperatures and the degradation of polar ice, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive environmental action.
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are vital in these efforts, facilitating data collection, analysis, and strategic interventions against climate systems. Advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), are projected to contribute about 24 per cent of the overall effort toward achieving 2030 climate targets.
This output report, developed in response to ITU-D Question 6/2 for the 2022-2025 study period, synthesizes global practices in climate mitigation/adaptation and e-waste management. It explores the transformative potential of ICTs, Big Data, and Earth observation, provides guidelines for integrating ICTs with sustainability objectives, and details actions for effective e-waste management and promoting a circular economy.
Please share any feedback via email to ITU-D Study Groups Secretariat devsg@itu.int .
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