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According to researchers at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, the situation is particularly urgent for the electric vehicle and battery industries. These industries are the main drivers of cobalt demand, with each electric vehicle requiring between 5 and 10 kilograms of metal for its lithium-ion batteries. Nearly 60% of the cobalt comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has already been accused of using child labor in its mines.
The researchers examined a total of 14 metals, including those used in solar panels and wind turbines. They estimate that 100% conversion to renewable energy could increase lithium and nickel demand by 280% and 136%, respectively. As Grist According to the reports, the eagerness to respond to this demand is likely to increase mining activity in countries where environmental and safety regulations are lax.
According to the report, recycling is our best choice for reducing primary demand. Companies like Apple and Amazon are already working on the development of closed loop recycling systems, but that will only take us that far. As Payal Sampat of Earthworks, who published the study, said Grist"We will not solve the problem by technology, it will require more significant policy changes that fundamentally reduce global demand."
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