Siddharth Kara

Siddharth Kara, an expert on modern slavery and author of "Cobalt Red," highlights the shocking truths behind cobalt mining in the Congo. He exposes the brutal realities of child labor, exploitation, and human rights abuses tied to the tech industry’s demand for cobalt. Kara emphasizes the urgent need for corporate accountability and ethical sourcing as mining communities face intimidation and environmental destruction. He advocates for greater awareness and calls for innovation towards cobalt-free technologies to address these grave issues.

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.

Siddharth Kara, an expert on human trafficking and author of "Cobalt Red," dives deep into the harrowing world of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He reveals that about 75% of global cobalt comes from areas plagued by child labor and severe human rights abuses. Kara discusses the environmental devastation linked to cobalt extraction and the interconnected web of exploitation involving smugglers and corrupt officials. He emphasizes the urgent need for consumer awareness and corporate accountability in addressing these ethical dilemmas.