Digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and smartphones, are often marketed as clean and efficient. However, the reality is more complex. Each device requires a significant amount of minerals, energy, and labor, which can have detrimental effects on the environment.
The Global South is particularly affected by these issues, as the extraction of resources often leads to environmental degradation and social inequities. Communities are calling for a more just approach to technology that considers these impacts.
This Q&A delves into the pressing concerns surrounding technology and environmental justice, highlighting the need for equitable solutions that address the disparities faced by those in the Global South.