In the previous post, I discussed how the advancement of technology in mobile phones has helped mankind predict, know and take action regarding air pollution and its associated effects. However, we ought to take a step back and think about the environmental cost of the very gadget that has now become irreplaceable in the lives of 6 billion people worldwide.
According to findings published in the 2018 Journal of Cleaner Production, information and communications technology (ICT) will account for 14% of global emissions by 2040. Extensive research has been conducted to analyse the impacts smartphones leave on the environment, but little has been done to address the issue. A smartphone is the most damaging ICT device as it contributes to global emissions throughout the entirety of its lifecycle – from manufacturing to usage to disposal.