Tensions with Renewable Energy Transition

A report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development explores the possibility that the global transition to 100% clean energy could lead to unintended results of fuel fragility, disagreements, and violence if not managed responsibly.

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is in Canada that aims for sustainable development and published, Green Conflict Minerals: The fuels of conflict in the transition to a low-carbon economy. The report discusses the potential strife for poorly-managed acquisition of minerals for low-carbon technologies like panels and improved solar energy storage.

“Stories of armed groups operating cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo and of riots breaking out around bauxite mining in Guinea are just two examples that have raised this issue’s profile, but it’s something that needs to be championed by the same voices correctly calling for a green economic transition,” explained report co-author Clare Church.

“Most of these metals are not covered in existing conflict mineral legislation, with the exception of tin.”

The report begins by investigating the “technologies required to facilitate this shift, including wind turbines, solar panels and improved energy storage, all require significant mineral and metal inputs and, absent any dramatic technological advances or an increase in the use of recycled materials, these inputs will come from the mining sector.”

Extraction & Sourcing

The huge concern is how to extract and source resources that doesn’t make and provoke already mounting tensions for necessities and revenue. This scene has replayed itself throughout history through mining for diamonds and cobalt. Discoveries show that a minimum of 23 key minerals is crucial for the creation and deployment of solar panels and clean energy storage technologies in states that are more financially and politically hostile.

Mining these needed minerals have “the past and at present, been linked with local grievances, tensions, and (in the worst cases) violence.” The authors conclude that, “For the minerals required to make the transition to a low-carbon economy, there are real risks of grievances, tensions and conflicts emerging or continuing around their extraction.

In order to meet global goals around sustainable development and climate change mitigation, while contributing to lasting peace, the supply chains of these strategic minerals must be governed in a way that is responsible, accountable and transparent. Achieving this vision will require concerted action from civil society, the private sector and governments.”

Mindful Decision Making

The corporate world has a growing desire to avoid unethical mining operations and unintended regional consequences. As Clare Church says, “as awareness about responsible and ethical sourcing grows with both governments and consumers, the private sector is responding.

Choosing the responsible sourcing of your product – from mine to production to end-of-life – is something corporations must do to “de-risk” their investments.” If you want to join the clean energy revolution, go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool.

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