Economics journalist Ed Conway discusses the importance of six essential materials in modern economies - sand, salt, iron, copper, oil, and lithium. The conversation explores the environmental costs of extracting these resources and the fragile global supply chains they support. The podcast dives into the complexities of resource scarcity, energy consumption, and the challenges of maintaining sustainable production in an interconnected world.

In dieser Folge sprechen der Philosophe Richard David Precht und der Journalist Ed Conway über die unerwarteten Einflüsse von Materialien auf unsere Welt. Sie erklären, warum Sand auf Sardinien zum wertvollen Gut geworden ist und beleuchten die düstere Kolonialgeschichte und ihre Verbindung zur heutigen Rohstoffgewinnung. Außerdem diskutieren sie die ökologische Herausforderung der Lithiumproduktion und die Chancen der Kreislaufwirtschaft. Eine unterhaltsame und blicköffnende Reise durch die Bedeutung alltäglicher Rohstoffe!

Ed Conway, writer and broadcaster, discusses the vital substances shaping the global economy, such as sand, iron, salt, oil, copper, and lithium. He uncovers the origins of these materials and their impact on our lives. Conway highlights the importance of understanding these substances amidst climate change and global conflicts.

Ed Conway, Sky's Economics Editor and author known for making economics engaging, discusses consumer capitalism's hypocrisy. He critiques the ethical marketing of corporations versus their practices. Conway unpacks the complex reality of sanctions on Russia tied to energy dependency, and the intricacies of silicon chip supply chains, stressing their environmental impact. He shares personal insights on growth and the importance of informed consumption, inviting listeners to reconsider what they pay for and its real cost.

Ed Conway, Economics editor at Sky News, discusses his book 'Material World' which explores the history and future of crucial substances. Topics include the significance of materials in infrastructure, challenges in achieving net zero carbon emissions in the steel industry, risks associated with spoil piles, the role of copper in the energy transition, and ethical concerns around battery materials.

Amy Edmonson, Ed Conway, and Siddharth Kara discuss their shortlisted books for the Financial Times' Business Book of the Year award. They cover topics such as AI's risks to humanity, the six commodities shaping our lives, and the different types of failure. The hosts also delve into the judging process and criteria for selecting the best business book of the year.

In this engaging discussion, Ed Conway, Economics and Data Editor of Sky News and author of *Material World*, delves into the pivotal role of six crucial materials: sand, salt, iron, copper, oil, and lithium. He reveals how these resources have shaped civilization and fueled technological progress. Conway highlights the intricacies of global supply chains and the sustainability challenges of lithium mining, while also examining the essential role of fossil fuels in modern life. A captivating exploration of our material world!

Ed Conway, a journalist and author focusing on the raw materials that shape civilization, discusses the crucial role of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, in the global supply chain for ultra-pure quartz used in semiconductors. He reflects on the near disaster caused by Hurricane Helene and its implications for manufacturing vulnerabilities. The conversation highlights the urgent need for disaster preparedness, the risks of relying on singular resources, and how challenges in quartz production could spark global innovations and better industry resilience.

Ed Conway, an insightful journalist and author known for exploring the materials that underpin modern civilization, joins the conversation to dissect the essential roles of salt, copper, and sand. They discuss the massive salt mine that could swallow the Eiffel Tower and investigate a critical North Carolina mine pivotal for global tech. The duo also uncovers the journey of sand from rock to silicon chip and dives into the fragility of our supply chains, pondering the balance between resource extraction and sustainable growth.

Economics editor Ed Conway discusses decreasing inflation rates and potential interest rate cuts, UK importing inflation from the US, ASOS sales decline, and challenges in the retail sector. Russ Mould from AJ Bell shares insights on ASOS becoming 'more agile' after a drop in sales.