Technology and the Environment: Discover the Truth

by Alicia Aleman Arrastio

Two days ago we were celebrating the world´s environment day. ALBOAN, one of Justice in Mining´s core group members, celebrated this important date by launching new and interesting content on its conflict-free technology website.

Of course, you already know that there is a link between the environment and our much-loved technological gadgets. They are not made alone of innovation, creativity, imagination and algorithms. Their manufacture also involves other more tangible ingredients – conflict minerals and natural resources. Significant amounts of energy are also involved in their manufacturing process. In fact, we would have to wait between 33 and 89 years to change our computer in order to compensate for the CO2 emissions emitted into the atmosphere. To produce a single microchip, 16,000 litres of water and 1.6 kilograms of fuel are required. An average smart phone’s ecological footprint is 44.4 kilograms. Quite depressing, isn´t it?

However, in Justice in Mining we believe in hope. Hope comes in all shapes and fashions and can move this broken world forward, beyond the sad truths of the world´s social and ecological statistics. There is still room to manoevre if we all push for a new production and consumption model that reduces the damage caused to the environment and to each other. The good news is that 90% of our mobiles and 93% of our computers could be manufactured by recycled components.

A more just and humane society is possible: it´s a question of caring with our hearts, thinking with our heads and acting with our hands.

Here is a link to the info graphics and the guide on responsible consumption of electronic products (available in English and Spanish so far):

https://www.tecnologialibredeconflicto.org/medio-ambiente/