Archive · 14 Jan 2026
WEF Urges Tech Firms to Address Environmental Impact
The World Economic Forum (WEF) says tech companies need to take care of nature.
They use a lot of water, energy, and make a lot of trash.
If they don't fix this, they might have problems in the future.
The WEF says using less water and energy, recycling more, and taking care of the land can help.
This can also save money and make the companies stronger.
Some projects have already been delayed because of these issues.
Global tech companies must address their impact on natural resources to ensure long-term resilience.
Technology sector's growth is driven by AI, cloud computing, and high-performance electronics.
Semiconductor manufacturing consumes over 1 trillion litres of freshwater annually.
Data centres draw over 60 gigawatts of energy, equivalent to California's peak power needs.
Around 60 billion kilograms of electronic waste are generated each year, with less than a quarter being recycled.
- Who
- World Economic Forum (WEF) and global technology companies
- What
- Urgent need for tech companies to address their impact on natural resources and dependence
- When
- Report highlighted on January 14
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- To ensure long-term resilience and sustainability of the tech sector
- Semiconductor Sales
- Over 1 trillion annually
- Data Centres
- More than 11,000 operational worldwide
- Freshwater Consumption
- Over 1 trillion litres annually for semiconductor manufacturing
- Energy Consumption
- Data centres draw over 60 gigawatts of energy
- Electronic Waste
- Around 60 billion kilograms generated each year
- Recycling Rate
- Less than a quarter of electronic waste is recycled
- Delayed Projects
- USD 64 billion of data centre projects blocked or delayed in the US since May 2024