Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
6. There exist serious concerns about unsafe handling of used electronics and e-waste, in developing countries, that results in harm to human health and the environment. Analyse to what extent e-waste management rules, 2016 help in safe handling and disposing of e-wate. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
The Brussels-based non-profit gave some shocking statistics about the rising tide of e-waste. This year’s WEEE(waste electronic and electrical equipment ) will total about 57.4 million tonnes (MT). This will be greater than the weight of the Great Wall of China, Earth’s heaviest artificial object.
Key Demand of the question:
To mention the cause for the exponential growth of e waste across the world and effective measures to check it.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving few facts regarding the rising number of e waste production every year.
Body:
Firstly, highlight the various factors leading to high amount of e waste generation such as low product life cycle, technology getting redundant very quickly, low opportunities for repairs and recycles etc and impact of this on developing countries like India wand environment.
Next, suggest various measures to control and minimise the cause of e waste production, highlight some of the provisions of e waste management rules,2016 and also the benefits of recycling e waste.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stressing on the need for a quick and effective approach by the government highlighting the fact that recycling is a great way to extract precious metals and also curb burning of hazardous materials in the landfills.
