26. Critical minerals and the green energy transition

Make Change Happen

Critical minerals – such as cobalt, lithium and copper – are in the headlines, attracting global attention for their potential in supporting the green energy pathway and accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels. They make green technologies including electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines possible. The opportunities are huge and demand is booming. But this doesn't come without issues. If not managed well, extraction can have negative impacts on communities, ecosystems and local economies. This episode is a conversation between IIED senior researcher Eric Bisil and executive director of Africa Resources Watch (Afrewatch) Emmanuel Umpula. They discuss the potential of critical minerals in speeding up the fossil fuel phase-out, and how they can support the productivity and economic growth of countries that are rich in these minerals. Other contributors include Ketakandriana Rafitoson, executive director of Publish What You Pay, IIED senior researcher Rose Mosi and IIED’s head of energy Ben Garside.