E-waste and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
The Agenda of 2030 for sustainable development, the Sustainable Development Goals was adopted in September 2015. This agenda consisted of 17 goals and 168 targets that are to be accomplished by 2030 in order to protect the environment and end poverty. Due to the increasing E-waste pollution and its adverse effects, there came a need for this agenda. For this initiative of sustainable development, efficient and coordinated action and approach is being required and are carried by the UN system in order to support other countries for the proper management of E-waste. The target goals of this agenda are as follows:
- SDG Target 3.9: To reduce the number of deaths and viruses from soil, noise, air, water, and e-waste pollution. E-waste that is generated consists of hazardous chemical substances and if these substances are not properly disposed of it can adversely affect natural life.
- SDG Target 8.3: To promote the policies that lead to decent job creation, entrepreneurship opportunities, growth, and development of citizens that results in economic growth. Employment can be provided to citizens by providing the opportunity to manage the e-waste and its proper decomposition.
- SDG Target 8.8: Target 8.8 states the protection of the rights of all workers and laborers. This can protect the rights of women workers and migrant workers too.
- SDG Target 12.4: SDG Target 12.4 states to achieve proper management of chemicals and the waste that is being generated throughout its life cycle and accordingly reduce the harmful effects caused due to electronic waste by 2020.
- SDG Target 12.5: SDG Target 12.5 states that by 2030, reduce the waste that is generated by its reduction, repair, prevention, recycling, and reuse. Reuse and recycle can be achieved by the manufacturers by utilizing the waste generated and reusing the same for other purposes.
E-Waste: Causes and Effects on Environment
E-waste or Electronic pollution is a growing environmental issue as the rapid advancement of technology has led to a significant increase in the production of various electronic devices. Pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the environment that causes an adverse effect and as a result, degrades the quality of the environment. Improper disposal of E-waste can lead to harmful effects on Human health and the overall environment.