Environmental Impact of Technology

Technology has both positive and negative effects on the environment. As computer scientists, it is important to understand these impacts and consider how technology can be designed and used more sustainably.

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Negative Environmental Impacts

1. E-Waste (Electronic Waste)

E-waste is discarded electronic equipment — old computers, smartphones, tablets, printers, cables, batteries, and other devices.

• The world generates approximately 50 million tonnes of e-waste per year
• Only about 20% of e-waste is properly recycled
• E-waste contains hazardous materials: lead, mercury, cadmium, flame retardants
• When dumped in landfill, these toxins can leach into soil and water, harming ecosystems and human health
• Much of the world's e-waste is shipped to developing countries (e.g., Ghana, Nigeria, China) where it is processed in unsafe conditions by workers, sometimes including children

2. Energy Consumption

Modern technology consumes enormous amounts of energy: