Vois Planet interviews Dr Shalini Sharma, Director, Krÿstähl about the COP 28 summit and e-waste management. She says that electronic waste in both cities and rural areas is increasing as people are struggling with disposing off their devices properly.
Dr Sharma suggests that companies take up managing e-waste as one of their corporate social responsibilities (CSR) while people can reduce buying of non-durable products and keeping away from consumerist tendencies of buying more.
Vois Planet: What are your expectations from the COP 28 summit?
Dr Sharma: As a scientist and advisor to solve climate change challenges, I expect COP28 to be a mega-success. Mega-success is composed of positive outcomes specially regarding; strengthening global Climate Finance which should reach local organisations to create a positive impact directly on ground. It is currently limited to national and global organisations and never reaches the people or activity for which it is meant.
I hope we have a strong mechanism for increased accountability and transparency by governments to ensure showcasing carbon sequestration and gas emissions openly; proven knowledge & technology transfer, and promotion of nature-based solutions for use across various sectors.
Vois Planet: How is the Dubai COP going to be different from the previous COP summits? The earth is only hotting up as the time passes.
Dr Sharma: We understand that Dubai aims to deliver a successful COP 28 that drives global transformation towards a low-emission and climate-resilient world, fosters ambitious climate action and facilitates implementation, including the related support. The COP28 Presidency had earlier announced that it will focus on fast-track energy transition slashing emissions before 2030, transform climate finance and set new framework for new deal on climate finance, the climate action will prioritise nature, lives and livelihood, and will mobilise more inclusive COP meet.
An urgent call by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to phase out fossil fuels may gain significant attention as its happening in the middle-east, the oil hub.
Since 30 November 2023, we have noted the focus of COP28 on an urgent need for practical action, climate finance, support for vulnerable communities, UAE pledging $200 million to the International Monetary Funds (IMF) Resilience and Sustainability Trust, announcement about $2.5 billion by the global community to support food-climate agenda, announcement of $30 billion fund by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for global climate solutions to bridge the climate finance gap ensuring availability, accessibility and affordability at scale are few to name, which seems like different from previous COP Summits.
Vois Planet: You created Sanshodhan E-Waste Exchange which works on e-waste management. How does it help reduce e-waste?
Dr Sharma: We created Sanshodhan, an E-waste exchange to implement circular economy model, while connecting businesses and society with recyclers, and to ease out metal and material i.e. natural resource recovery.
It is recognized by the World Economic Forum, awarded by the Responsible Finance & Investment, UK; DDCAP Abu Dhabi; and by the DIPP, Government of India and other global organisations. We now offer this expertise as advisory services for conglomerates and MNCs, as they need such support for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, for implementation of circular economy and to meet Extended producer responsibility (EPR) compliance.
Sanshodhan is now merged with the Global Institute for Circular Economy and Sustainable Development Goals (GICE&SDGs) and is known as Krÿstähl. Based in Hyderabad, the new organisation provides services such as advisory and consultancy, ESG reporting, capacity building, R&D, and CSR to businesses and organizations across the globe.
Vois Planet: You have been working on ‘circular economy’ - which seeks to ensure that materials do not become waste. Can you explain how can common people become a part of this?
Dr Sharma: The E-waste exchange is basically a B2B digital-circular economy model. Our research has helped to develop world’s first ‘E-credit system for circular economy for electronic and electrical sector’ for which we filed a patent in April 2020.
Though the design of E-Waste Exchange is well suited for cities, we could not find business or government support for it. As public service is resource intensive, we continued working for the B2B segment.
At the same time, I feel that the public in cities as well as in rural areas is struggling to dispose e-waste like old mobiles, wires, pen drives, computers. These gadgets contain good amount of metals that can be potentially reused in manufacturing. Thus, if CSR support and EEE companies support, Krystahl can serve various cities with our digital circular economy model.
Vois Planet: India is facing a crisis of e-waste as it is now number three in generating devices that are no longer needed by families. Can you give suggestions on how people can reduce e-waste through their efforts?
Dr Sharma: Individuals play a crucial role in minimizing e-waste through conscious consumption habits. Presently, there is a pervasive culture of overconsumption, extending to food, clothing, plastics, and electronic devices, partly fuelled by the industry and government initiatives that encourage excessive production.
Making mindful choices, such as acquiring only essential items for daily use and opting for durable products designed to withstand years of use is vital. Avoiding unnecessary and non-durable purchases is not only a wise financial decision but also a significant contribution to reducing overall waste and environmental impact.
Rahul Kumar is a senior Delhi-based journalist and development communications professional with a wide experience in news reporting, feature writing and editing for mainstream newspapers and magazines. He is a recipient of numerous fellowships by international organisations including Reuters, Chevening Scholarships and Radio Netherlands. He has worked in the alternative and online media, where he developed media and communication strategies and co-led teams of journalists covering international development conferences. He has executed numerous media and communication projects for various organisations. He loves to photograph urban and social issues and has organised several photo-exhibitions in Delhi. His other loves are yoga, long walks and cycling.
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Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master, it was rightly said. Electronic devices have grown into an inevitable part of our daily lives.
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