E-Waste Governance and Environmental Diplomacy: Advancing SDG 13, 14, and 15 through Formal E-Waste Management in Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan’s growing electronic consumption, driven by rapid urbanization and digitalization, has led to a parallel rise in e-waste, much of which is processed through informal and unsafe methods. This research examines how formalizing e-waste management in Pakistan can mitigate environmental degradation and help the country meet its international commitments under Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land). Using a mixed-methods approach, the study evaluates the environmental impacts of informal e-waste handling—such as air and water pollution, soil degradation, and public health risks—and contrasts these with the benefits of formal recycling practices seen in countries like China, Japan, and the European Union. The paper also explores the structural and institutional barriers hindering formalization, including weak enforcement of environmental laws, lack of infrastructure, and the dominance of informal recyclers. It argues for a strategic, inclusive, and sustainable transition framework that combines environmental governance with social protection for informal workers. The study proposes practical interventions such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), licensed collection centers, public awareness campaigns, international cooperation, and the integration of bioleaching and closed-loop recycling systems. By adopting these measures, Pakistan can not only reduce ecological harm but also contribute to global environmental diplomacy, position itself as a responsible regional actor, and support the creation of a circular economy.

Keywords: E-Waste, Environmental Diplomacy, SDGs, Informal Recycling, Sustainable Development, Climate Action, Circular Economy, Bioleaching, Environmental Governance, Public Health