Home > Intel By Sector > Electronics
A new resource reality for electronics
Electronic brands selling smartphones/ laptops, essentially all modern tech, are highly reliant on China as the world’s global rare earths and critical raw materials producer. For instance, rare earths enable HD graphics & indium is essential for the touch screen.
However, as China says no to pollution & yes to a its own high tech future, risks are high and serious questions who will supply the world are being raised.
On top of this, current brand strategies like increasing use of critical raw materials, ultra low recycling rates (<1% rare earth recycling rate) and build-in obsolescence compound these risks. “Smart” brands are not being smart and need to wake up to the new resource reality. Explore more in the Big Picture or get on top of recent articles in The Latest.
We Recommend
17 April, 2020
Governments are prioritising lives over money but with pressure to re-open the economy, can we use lessons learnt...
#analysis
17 October, 2017
Cooperation and conflict exist on a spectrum in transboundary river basins. Dr Selina Ho from Lee Kuan Yew...
#opinions
19 October, 2016
On 1 January 2015, China’s amended Environmental Protection Law came into effect after more than 25 years without revision. China Water Risk previously...
#interviews
20 July, 2016
Last December in Paris, an epic agreement on climate change was reached, setting the world on the long road towards de-carbonizing global economic growth. Promising...
#notices
The Latest
Latest Analysis & Opinions
25 February, 2021
Will the Ox deliver it's well known strength and stability and turn stubborn "old" cows into raging bulls for a better planet? Find out what the lunar new year has in store for us in our 5 trends
#analysis
25 February, 2021
Covid disruption has seen old businesses die and new ones sprout up. CWR's Dawn McGregor shares how Singapore is innovating its climate threats into building resilience & new ways of making money
#opinions
22 December, 2020
Are you endlessly streaming your favourite Christmas songs? Well, that could get you on Santa's naughty list as CWR's Dr Chien Tat Low shows the cost of doing so & what you can do better for the climate
#analysis
22 December, 2020
Physical climate risks are already here. This Christmas, companies, investors and banks should treat themselves to a climate risk assessment like 427's, as their Natalie Ambrosio Preudhomme, Communications Director, shares
#opinions
24 November, 2020
Coastal threat assessment can be complex & daunting, so we did the heavy lifting by creating the index. But we did not do this alone - 100+ finance experts helped. See who they were & how feedback shaped the index.
#analysis
18 September, 2020
Food production is a major global challenge. A lab grown milk takes top prize in 2020 Liveability Challenge. See why & what other innovations placed from Eco-Business' Robin Hicks
#opinions
