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.

Henry Farrell, an expert in international affairs from Johns Hopkins University, and Ed Conway, Sky News' economics editor, dive deep into the hidden frameworks of the global economy. They discuss how the US manipulates control over communication and finance, highlighting the power dynamics between the US and China over essential materials like rare earth elements. The conversation also examines vulnerabilities in supply chains exacerbated by recent global events, urging a reevaluation of economic strategies focused on foundational materials.

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.

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.

Joining the discussion is Ed Conway, Economics Editor for Sky News and author of Material World, who dives into the crucial materials driving our economy. He reveals the significance of lithium, copper, and other key resources, connecting them to the modern technologies we utilize daily. Ed highlights China’s dominance in battery production and the complexities of global supply chains. He also discusses the environmental impacts of mining and the pressing need for sustainable practices to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

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.

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.