Electronic Waste Effects of Globalization and Digitalization: Global and Regional Insights from a Dynamic Panel Threshold Study
- Afees Oluwashina Noah
- Oladipo Olalekan David and Saidat O. Onikosi-Alliyu
- ( paper pages. 453-490 )
Abstract
The responsibilities of globalization and digitization
in helping countries reach UN SDG 13, which is focused on improving adaptive and resilience capacity to
climate-related risks, are becoming increasingly important. This study,
which covers the period 2013 to 2022 for 174 countries, provides empirical
insight into the hitherto ambiguous relationship between globalization,
digitization, and the development of electronic waste (e-waste), globally
and regionally. The potential non-linear link between economic growth and
e-waste generation is examined using a dynamic threshold model. Findings from the study show that, with the exception
of Europe, globalization promotes the
production of e-waste at the regional and global levels. While digitalization reduces e-waste
generation in America and Europe, it promotes the
production of e-waste in Africa and Asia. In particular, mobile phones, aside from
Europe, increase e-waste generation both globally and regionally. Fixed
telephones decrease e-waste generation globally and in America, increase it in
Africa, and have no impact in Asia and Europe. Internet connection increases
the production of e-waste globally, in Europe and Africa, but
decreases it in America and Asia. The analysis also supports the Environmental
Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis by identifying specific thresholds of economic
growth below which the influence of growth on e-waste generation decreases. To
cross these thresholds, policymakers should initiate sustainable development
approaches. Each region is recommended to implement customized plans to ensure
that economic growth is accompanied by a decline in e-waste production.
This underscores the need for global collaboration, strict laws, and effective
e-waste management systems.
Citation
Afees Oluwashina Noah, Oladipo Olalekan David and Saidat O. Onikosi-Alliyu.
2025.
"Electronic Waste Effects of Globalization and Digitalization: Global and Regional Insights from a Dynamic Panel Threshold Study"
The Nigerian Journal of Economic and Social Studies,
67 (3): 453-490.
