Critical minerals: The hidden resources powering the clean energy future
The story in 60 secondsEvery electric vehicle, wind turbine, solar panel, smart phone; they all depend on minerals extracted from the earth.As countries accelerate the transition to clean (non-fossil fuel) energy, demand for minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper and graphite is rising rapidly.For many countries, this presents an unprecedented economic opportunity.But in some places, competition over these resources has fuelled conflict, corruption, environmental damage and human rights abuses.
© UNEP
Electric buses are charged at a station in Kenya.
This week, the UN Security Council is asking a fundamental question:Can the minerals powering the green transition also become a foundation for peace and sustainable development?Five questions
