Is the race for rare earths good for the planet?
The Climate Question
00:00
The Rare Earth Dilemma
This chapter examines the critical role of rare earth minerals in green technology and their impact on climate change efforts. While essential for renewable energy applications, the environmental costs of their extraction, including pollution and radioactive waste, present significant challenges. The discussion highlights China's dominance in the rare earth market, the dual economic and ecological implications of mining, and ongoing concerns regarding regulatory oversight and local community impacts.
Transcript
Play full episode
