From Quartz to Cobalt: The Hidden Costs of Our Tech-Driven World

Can we really call our tech 'smart' when its foundation is built on the backs of exploited workers and ravaged landscapes?

Our modern technology, while marvelously advanced, comes at a steep price. Deep in Spain, the purest quartz is mined from Pico Sacro, eventually transformed into the silicon chips that power our devices. This process, though magical, relies heavily on intensive industrial procedures that few fully understand.

The environmental impact doesn’t end there. In places like Ghazipur, India, towering landfills showcase the aftermath of our consumption, as electronic waste piles up, creating hazardous living conditions and contributing to a global waste crisis.

Moreover, in Congo, cobalt mining for rechargeable batteries reveals severe human exploitation. Workers, including children, labor under dangerous conditions, highlighting the grim reality behind the green technology boom.

As we enjoy the conveniences of modern tech, it's crucial to consider: how can we mitigate these impacts and ensure a more ethical future for all?

Read the full article on MIT Technology Review.

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