State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

e-waste

  • What Can We Do About the Growing E-waste Problem?

    What Can We Do About the Growing E-waste Problem?

    In 2016, the world discarded 49 million tons of electronic waste, yet only 20 percent of it was recycled. Where does e-waste go? And how are we going to deal the growing amounts of it?

  • Removing Toxic Electronics From NYC’s Waste

    We need to develop the public policies and standard operating procedures to make certain that discarded electronics are either recycled or carefully discarded. This requires that we abandon the idea that “out of sight is out of mind.”

  • Closing the Loop: Technology and Sustainability Event

    Where are materials for all tech gadgets coming from? Where is e-waste going? What policies are associated with these issues and are they working? Find out at a panel discussion and screening of Terra Blight.

Collage of Turkiye beach scene and Columbia University Campus with text: UN Climate Change Conference COP31, Antalya, Turkiye, Nov 9-20, 2026

COP31, the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, aims to advance dialogue, strengthen consensus, and accelerate climate action on a global scale. From November 9–20, 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye, heads of state, ministers, scientists, business leaders, and civil society will gather to advance efforts in emission targets, climate finance, and adaptation and resilience. Once again, our experts, students, and global thought leaders from Columbia Climate School and across Columbia University are contributing to key events, sharing insights, and helping shape the dialogue toward ambitious, science-based solutions. Learn More

  • What Can We Do About the Growing E-waste Problem?

    What Can We Do About the Growing E-waste Problem?

    In 2016, the world discarded 49 million tons of electronic waste, yet only 20 percent of it was recycled. Where does e-waste go? And how are we going to deal the growing amounts of it?

  • Removing Toxic Electronics From NYC’s Waste

    We need to develop the public policies and standard operating procedures to make certain that discarded electronics are either recycled or carefully discarded. This requires that we abandon the idea that “out of sight is out of mind.”

  • Closing the Loop: Technology and Sustainability Event

    Where are materials for all tech gadgets coming from? Where is e-waste going? What policies are associated with these issues and are they working? Find out at a panel discussion and screening of Terra Blight.