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The Paradox of Lithium – State of the Planet

news.climate.columbia.edu · 3,739 words · saved by 1 readers

The race toward net-zero emissions depends heavily on lithium — to power electric vehicles, to store wind and solar power. This element of the periodic table is one of the main protagonists of the economic and infrastructural transformation that we are experiencing today. Our dependence on lithium recalls that of oil and coal that transformed our society in the past. At the time, however, the long-term effects of burning fossil fuels were unknown, whereas today, we know of the highly negative aspects of lithium extraction on the environment. With this knowledge should come responsibility — towards the environment and future generations. We must not fall into the same traps from which we are trying to free ourselves. Together with the powerful “curative” and “palliative” qualities of lithium on the effects of climate change, it is necessary to consider the potential “side effects” and communicate them in transparent manner. These side effects include: use of large quantities of water an

The Paradox of Lithium – State of the Planet Skip to content Climate , Energy , Sustainability The Paradox of Lithium Marco Tedesco Guest January 18, 2023 42 comments on The Paradox of Lithium Mining for lithium — an essential element to power the clean energy transition — can have negative impacts on the environment. Photo: TomTooM03 The race toward net-zero emissions depends heavily on lithium — to power electric vehicles, to store wind and solar power. This element of the periodic table is one of the main protagonists of the economic and infrastructural transformation that we are expe

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