Intelligence Squared Material World: How Six Crucial Substances Shape the Global Economy
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Feb 18, 2024 Economics and data editor Ed Conway discusses six vital substances—sand, iron, salt, oil, copper, and lithium—that shape our world. He shares insights from his travels to copper mines and lithium pools, revealing their hidden stories. Conway emphasizes the importance of understanding these materials as we face climate change and energy crises. He also explores lithium's role in the electric vehicle market and its geopolitical implications, highlighting the competition for resources in a rapidly changing global landscape.
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Gold Mine Revelation
- Ed Conway's interest in materials began in a Nevada gold mine.
- The scale of destruction needed for a small amount of gold sparked his curiosity about essential materials.
Hidden Materiality
- Modern society's detachment from physical industries creates a false sense of immateriality.
- Globalization further masks the complex material origins of everyday products.
Sand's Significance
- Sand is crucial for various products, from ancient glass to modern silicon chips and concrete.
- Different sand types have unique properties, making some highly sought after, impacting environments and leading to illegal trade.
