In Nigeria, electronic waste harms environment and workers

In Brazil, delegates at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development continued talks today, addressing the world’s decreasing biodiversity, the promotion of green jobs and renewable energy projects. Some activists have criticized the official agenda for its top down approach and on Wednesday, the official start of the summit, thousands packed the streets of Rio De Janeiro as part of a People’s Summit. Indigenous leaders, women advocates, youth and community groups from across the world demanded stronger action from world leaders and a greater say in the process. Also on Wednesday,  Seventeen-year-old Brittany Trilford of New Zealand demanded action in an address to delegates. “I am hear to fight for my future. That’s why I’m here. And I would like to end today by asking you to consider why you’re here and what you can do. Are you here to save face? Or are you here to save us?” One of the main objectives of the Rio+20 Conference is to ensure environmental protection through the creation of green jobs with low carbon emissions. That could offer greater opportunity in places like Nigeria, where thousands of unemployed people make a living by recycling electronic waste through burning. The process which leads to greenhouse gas emissions has negative consequences for the environment and human health. The e-waste includes items like computers, mobile phones and television sets and IS OFTEN exported illegally from developed countries to Africa. FSRN’s Sam Olukoya reports from Lagos.