How the rise of green tech is feeding another environmental crisis

The rapid transition to green technology, particularly the surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, has led to an increasing demand for lithium, a crucial component in battery production. This increased demand is contributing to another environmental crisis, as the mining and extraction of lithium can have significant ecological consequences. The article highlights that the push for decarbonization has driven the growth of the EV market, which in turn has fueled the need for lithium. However, the mining and processing of lithium can have detrimental effects on the environment, including water scarcity, soil degradation, and potential contamination of local water sources. Furthermore, the article raises concerns about the geopolitical implications of the lithium supply chain, as the majority of the world's lithium reserves are concentrated in a few countries, potentially leading to supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical tensions. The article emphasizes the need for a more sustainable and responsible approach to the production and use of lithium, as well as the importance of developing alternative energy storage technologies to reduce the reliance on this finite resource.