sustainable development

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Toxic Waste or Treasure? Why E-Waste Flows South.

Coria J. (2025, July 28th). Toxic Waste or Treasure? Why E-Waste Flows South. From, https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/internationaldevelopment/2025/07/28/toxic-waste-or-treasure- why-e-waste-flows-south/

It was discovered in Thailand that illegal e-waste imports were occurring, specifically from the U.S. When discovered, not only was it e-waste, but the containers were falsely labeled as “metal scraps.” About 238 tons of e-waste, broken computers, unused appliances, and more, shipped to the Port of Bangkok. However, this sort of behavior isn’t rare, as the U.S is known for using loopholes to place environmental burdens onto poorer countries or countries of “limited infrastructure and oversight.” This behavior leaves these burdened countries with the fate of two possibilities; you’re given valuable items such as gold, copper, and palladium, even earth’s rarest elements. However, some countries aren’t aware of this, going ahead and incinerating or burning away e-waste. But research shows that these valuable “waste” came to be worth about USD $91 Billion, managing to recover only 28 billion. 

Reading this paper helped me gain a stronger understanding of this problem, with pure perspective. Not only do they provide informative statistics, but they also expose the truth with how specific countries like the U.S deal with their environmental issues; illegally exporting and abusing regulations to place environmental burdens onto other countries. Coria fosters a creative solution and a good point to the fact we shouldn’t just ban e-waste, but build infrastructures that would work to manage it. It is poorly managed, and while everyone is focused on just saying goodbye to e-waste, there are better ways to approach it, like cleaning up after ourselves and throwing out the trash, properly disposing of it ourselves. 

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Global E-Waste Exposed.

DeFranco J. F., & Voas J. (2025, February). Global E-Waste Exposed. From, https://www.computer.org/csdl/magazine/co/2025/02/10857853/23VCdqACA1y

Similar to previous articles, research shows alarming numbers such as 34 million tonnes of e-waste jumping to 62 million tonnes in 12 years, from 2010 to 2022. However, as we follow along we come across ways we can combat this issue, more into detail, and more globally. We can fight this issue together as humans. An issue we’re all familiar with is the rapid speed of technology advancing and emerging throughout the world and throughout time. What is problematic about it is that these products aren’t very durable, having a short lifespan. In addition, studies have shown that our efforts to recycle e-waste are about 8 million tonnes and then jumped up close to 14 million tonnes. However, this only shows that since 2010, we’ve been outpaced by a factor of 5, according to the UN. Specific ways to combat e-waste, provided by this paper, that have been implemented were stationed bins around town to be filled with unused electronics, locations to drop off old or unused appliances, and the banning of hazardous imports that included e-waste. 

The importance of e-waste management relies solely on the integrity and accountability of each and everyone involved with technology and electronics. If everyone involved also acknowledged the damage we’re doing to the environment, as well as participating in the solutions to reduce and prevent e-waste, it would make the whole process a lot more simple. This paper provides what we can do, as simple as placing unused electronics in bins can make a huge difference moving forward. It takes consideration and integrity, but this is our environment we’re talking about, and I feel this paper exemplifies the value and importance of e-waste management. 

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From present to future: A review on e-waste recycling processes.

Smith R.L., & Behdad, S. (2025, August 1). From present to future: A review on e-waste recycling processes. From, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0956053X25002740

In a global perspective, this article provides 5 key processes for e-waste recycling. Using a structured sustainability framework, the authors aim to provide a more broader understanding and impact, rather than efficiency. These 5 major processes are physical disassembly, pyrolysis, hydrometallurgy, biometallurgical treatment, and supercritical fluid technology. Essentially, these are ways in which we can extract metal and ensure that we aren’t toxicating our environment, such as waters, soil, and possibly our foods. Concluding with the common concept or idea that practical e-waste management is needed, this paper suggests that recycling is key to the overall improvement of e-waste management, entirely because it fosters awareness of how rapid electronics are thrown out when it isn’t used. 

I found this article extremely informative and interesting. Those 5 major processes helped me narrow down an idea of what it is exactly we should be doing, and how it should be done. While I necessarily can’t get to that level of action, like extracting the metals myself, I can certainly study and move closer into spreading awareness, appreciating the hard work, and understanding how to avoid these problems or prevent them from happening. It is key to remember that we’re not just trying to solve the problem, but prevent it, as the article specifically explains. 

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As Electronic Waste Surges, Countries Look For Answers.

UNEP. (2025, March 11) As Electronic Waste Surges, Countries Look For Answers.  From, https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/electronic-

waste-surges-countries-look-answers.

In Almaty, Kazakhstan, a man named Oleg Zaitsev and his crew work to recycle used electronics that no longer serve a purpose to its previous owners. Further pursuing his goal, the United Nations environment programme (UNEP) began a campaign that encouraged others to rise to action and stop the pollution of e-waste. Since 2010, studies show that we as a whole have grown worse in regards to e-waste management, with an 82% increase in pollution. As UNEP combats this issue with support from the Basel Convention, an international treaty or agreement, it has helped regulate the movement to reduce e-waste, and eventually put it to an end. Experts say that with investments made towards this movement, it could benefit many lives including improving human health, protecting valuable ecosystems, and revive, if not already active, the recycling industry. 

I truly believe that the best way to combat an issue, if seeking to overcome the issue or erase it completely, is finding what is feeding it. As we are progressively advancing as humans, we are also overcomplicating things by advancing forward into the future with more and more electronics and technology without the sense of care or moment of consideration. It is up to us to deal with specific problems as such, and this article fully demonstrates that idea. The UN has created a campaign to combat this problem, and the Basel Convention had gone into effect to reduce e-waste products. 

 

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Why E-Waste Is Becoming An Issue.

Anderson K. (2025, May 15). Why E-Waste Is Becoming An Issue. From, https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/industries/why-e-waste-is-becoming-an-issue. 

 

According to the UN, e-waste production has been awful with the amount of 62 million tonnes of waste. While having the prediction of reaching 82 million tonnes by 2030. Essentially, e-waste comes from the poor management of technology users. Copywriter, Kara Anderson, explains the way in which people tend to abuse or neglect technology waste or extra. When no longer using specific technology materials, Anderson includes the possibility of these materials leeching into our soils and water which would be environmentally damaging and harmful. Countries that suffer these problems mostly are Ghana, Nigeria, and Malaysia. Some reasons for and examples of e-waste that are, in recent years, progressively getting worse are e-cigarettes or vape pens, which are quickly produced as technology advances. In this article are also ways to prevent or reduce e-waste, as well as percentage rates, by the UN, that show how certain countries lack in the practice of recycling electronics. 

 

By truly grasping the danger and the importance of being aware of e-waste, this article goes on to show us plenty of examples and statistics in terms of e-waste according to the UN’s study. It was easy to understand how e-waste was beginning to trend, which I feel is essential to keeping track on how to begin managing this issue properly. I imagine that several countries will now consider this problem when facing the facts of how potentially dangerous this truly is for our environment and how many people are arguably neglecting and choosing to waste electronics. I also appreciate the section that provides ways in which we could implement solutions to e-waste problems, ways to reduce, if not immediately eliminate, poor e-waste management. 

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Why is the world deadlocked over a treaty to stop plastics pollution?

Tabuchi, H. (2025, August 14). Why is the world deadlocked over a treaty to stop plastics pollution? The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/14/climate/global-plastic-pollution-treaty.html

This article offers a new light on the topic of sustainability in comparison to the previous articles. Rather than focusing on efforts of sustainability, a more assertive approach is taken. This is done by addressing the problem of pollution and waste management, along with offering insights into potential solutions and implementations to help solve the issues presented. The solutions discussed in this article are not physical developments but rather treaties and policies. Such include policies to cap production rates so that less fossil fuels are being consumed. This stance is controversial. The shift toward policy-level intervention underscores the urgency of coordinated international action. This reveals the larger idea that although individual efforts can help drive change, meaningful progress relies on collaboration and lasting agreements rather than individual efforts.

The controversial nature of sustainability policies reintroduces the issue of conflicting interests. While everyone has personal motives, it is important to think about the world and society as a whole. Also important to look at is our natural ecosystems being disrupted. One of the underlying factors of environmental science in regard to ecology could be described as the concern for the depletion of natural resources. This reveals the bigger picture that when trying to keep our environment’s ecosystem balanced and create a sustainable world, there comes along potential solutions which may arise conflicting interests, however ultimately it is important to consider the long term effect that our current practices have on the world around us.

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The US is Against the World on Sustainable Development

Sachs, J. (2025, April 8). The US is Against the World on Sustainable Development. Sustainable Development Solutions Network. https://www.unsdsn.org/news/the-us-is-against-the-world-on-sustainable-development/

On the contrary to usual articles that discuss the development of technologies, this article highlights the complications of taking action on such development. It states that America is reluctant to take action when compared to the rest of the world. A key detail pointed out is that America is most financially resilient in regard for funding of such developments. Connecting to the last articleś explanation of the SDG, this article reveals that American authorities have objected to some efforts such as these. It emphasized that while 190 out of 193 UN members have presented “Voluntary National Reviews” of their SDG progress, the United States has not. This reveals the idea that wealthy elites and major oil companies conflict with the global push for sustainability as their interests are likely vested in personal gain.

In juxtaposition to this article’s claim about America’s inaction in the sustainability field,the steps that have already been taken towards sustainable green energy should be acknowledged. Such instances of this involve electric cars and an overall movement towards electric energy rather than relying on fossil fuels. These instances highlight the rising sustainability industry, although there is more that could be done, it is important to note these successes. While American authorities may be rejecting certain sustainability policies, it may be important to note that not all policies provide maximum benefit, and it is important to examine each proposed solution carefully in order to determine if its costs outweigh its benefits.

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Sustainable Development in An International Perspective.

Prizzia, R. (2025, January 5). Sustainable Development in An International Perspective. University of Hawaii System. https://dspace.lib.hawaii.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/f39b6955-f688-4fe5-9a59-9a655cbf3dc1/content

This article highlights the benefits of sustainable development. Upon a closer look, rather than explaining the ecological benefits of a sustainable world, this article focuses on the economy and society as well. It argues that sustainable development is not only about protecting the environment, but also about improving quality of life, reducing inequality, and creating long-term economic resilience. By emphasizing the connection of environmental, economic and social systems, the article provides a broader perspective on sustainability as a framework for growth available to all classes. It also explores how sustainable practices can drive innovation, generate jobs related to green energy development, and strengthen communities by ensuring access to resources and series. Overall, the article encourages a shift in thinking from viewing sustainability as a financial cost or sacrifice to economic success, to understanding it as an opportunity for structural improvement and broader well-being for society.

The discussion on societal impact in addition to economic impact from integration of green technologies brings a new factor into the equation of sustainability development. I agree that it is important to consider equality when contemplating the implementation of certain systems. For example, windmills which provide clean energy may be extremely beneficial to communities who can afford it. However, certain other areas may not be able to afford wind mills, so they must seek new, affordable ways to implement green energy. This is important for us to note because we can use our economic mobility to create these affordable technologies to be implemented into areas which cannot necessarily provide it for themselves. Taking this into account, the article proves to reveal a key detail in the sustainability market that we can use to more effectively create a greener world available to all.

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The sustainable development goals. United Nations Sustainable Development.

Martin. (2018a, May 17). The sustainable development goals. United Nations Sustainable Development. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/development-goals/

This article discusses sustainability development with a focus on poverty issues. It focuses on the process of integrating technologies for communities and corporations across the world. This article also tackles the reality of implementation and explores governmental action. It tracks the action that governmental authorities have taken c towards developments in the environmental field. The SDG summit discusses specific actions to be taken and addresses 17 goals. These goals aim to end poverty, reduce inequality and, protect the planet, and promote peace and prosperity for everyone by 2030. The article highlights that although progress is being made in prosperous communities, global progress is lagging behind as areas with less economic mobility are not able to afford the costly benefits of sustainable development.

Addressing the variability to financial supplement, it is clear that communities in less prosperous areas are less likely to be able to cover the cost of expensive sustainability technology. This creates a dilemma and it raises the question, how can we make clean energy available for all? The SDGś goal of reducing or possibly reversing environmental degradation provides a pathway for a better world environment.

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How state-owned power companies are impacting the energy transition in emerging economies.

Halsey, R. (2025, August 12). How state-owned power companies are impacting the energy transition in emerging economies. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/articles/insight/state-owned-power-companies-energy-transition-emerging-economies

This article discusses the new innovations in sustainable development along with factors that come into play when considering the implementation of such innovations. It talks about global development including South Africa and Viet Nam. It discusses the financial shortcomings as reliance needs on funding is usually unmet, or at least not reached to its desired amount. The topic of conflicting interests also arises, meaning that individuals with different personal motives can influence the development of sustainable practices. The article also talks about governmental role and international coordination concerns, addressing political resistance which arise for various reasons. State owned power countries are also said to have a crucial role in the development of sustainability practices.

The financial aspect of sustainable development is an overlooked factor that determines the success of the industry. Without proper financing for the costly development of sustainable manufacturing, great inventions could be prevented from coming into existence and becoming available. The article’s highlight of conflicting interests brings an important discussion relating to the implications of the actual follow through in implementation sustainability systems. Namely, when people have different personal motives, including financial or social, they could override the process of implementation. An example includes someone who creates large personal financial gain from the use of fossil fuels. This can be directly explained from someone in the field of coal mining companies. They benefit financially from the process of coal mining because it provides them with work, employment, and a paycheck. This means that they would prefer to keep the coal mining industry in fear that they would lose their job. While not directly influential as an employee, the principle conflict of interest raises larger issues of communities from.

On the other hand, it is revealed in this article that Viet Nam has undergone rapid growth in the clean energy sector. This demonstrates the worldwide acknowledgement of issues involving carbon footprint and unsustainable energy methods. The global acknowledgement of this issue is certainly beneficial to creating a more sustainable society worldwide.