Water Poisoning in Lithium Deserts: Chile's Thirsty EVs Clash with Indigenous Rights

So, we're all told electric cars are the future, right? They're supposed to save the planet from climate change. But what if getting the lithium to build those car batteries is actually causing a different kind of disaster? In places like Chile's Atacama Desert, it turns out that digging up this 'white gold' is draining precious water resources. This is creating a huge clash between the global demand for green tech and the rights and survival of the indigenous people who have lived there for centuries. It's a messy situation, and the question is, can we really have both?

Key Takeaways

• Extracting lithium, a key component for electric vehicle batteries, uses vast amounts of water, severely impacting water availability in arid regions like Chile's Atacama Desert.

• Indigenous communities in these areas face significant challenges, including the disruption of their traditional water access, livelihoods, and ancestral connections to the land.

• While lithium production is vital for the global energy transition and fighting climate change, its extraction carries a heavy environmental and social cost, leading to concerns about water poisoning and ecosystem damage.

• The global supply chain for lithium is concentrated, raising geopolitical issues and creating new dependencies, while the benefits of extraction are often not shared equitably with local communities.

• Exploring alternative extraction methods and focusing on recycling, alongside respecting indigenous rights and community consultation, are seen as necessary steps towards a more just and sustainable energy transition.

The Thirst of the Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert in northern Chile is a place of extremes. It’s one of the driest spots on Earth, with intense solar radiation and landscapes that stretch for miles in shades of white and grey, framed by imposing volcanoes. It's also home to vast lithium reserves, a mineral absolutely critical for the batteries powering our electric cars and renewable energy grids. Chile is a major player in the global lithium market, supplying a significant chunk of the world's needs. But getting that lithium out of the ground here comes with a hefty price tag, especially for water.

Water Scarcity and Lithium Extraction

Extracting lithium in the Atacama involves pumping salty brine from beneath the desert floor and spreading it out in massive evaporation ponds. These ponds, often a striking chartreuse color, are designed to let the sun do the work of concentrating the lithium. It sounds simple enough, but the process gobbles up enormous amounts of water in a region that already has very little. We're talking about a place where every drop counts, and this industrial-scale water use puts a massive strain on the already scarce freshwater resources. This is a big deal for the local communities and the unique environment.

Impacts on Indigenous Water Access

For the indigenous Atacameño communities living around the Atacama salt flat, water isn't just a resource; it's deeply tied to their culture and survival. They rely on the same limited water sources that lithium operations tap into. When the brine is pumped up and evaporated, it affects the water table and the availability of freshwater for everything from drinking to agriculture. This situation is made even tougher by ongoing droughts, likely worsened by climate change, and the water demands of other mining activities in the region, like copper extraction. It creates a real conflict over who gets to use this precious resource.

The Evaporation Pool Dilemma

These vast evaporation ponds are the visual signature of lithium extraction in the Atacama. While they are effective for concentrating the lithium, their sheer size and the amount of water they consume raise serious questions. The process uses water that could otherwise sustain local ecosystems or be available for communities. It's a stark reminder that the technologies we rely on for a greener future have their own environmental footprints, and in places like the Atacama, that footprint is measured in water.

The drive to power a green transition with lithium batteries is creating a serious water crisis in one of the world's driest regions, pitting global demand against local survival and environmental health.

Here's a look at the water usage in lithium extraction:

Activity	Estimated Water Use (per tonne of Lithium)	Notes
Brine Pumping & Evaporation	~500,000 gallons	Primarily for evaporation, not consumption
Processing & Refining	Variable	Depends on specific technologies used

It's important to remember that the water used in these ponds isn't typically potable water, but it's still a vital part of the local hydrological system. The impact on freshwater availability for indigenous communities and wildlife is the main concern. The Atacama Desert is a delicate ecosystem, and the demands of lithium extraction are putting it under immense pressure. This is why understanding the full picture of lithium production, including its water demands, is so important as we move towards a more sustainable energy future.

Indigenous Rights Under Pressure

Prior Consent and Community Consultation

When big projects like lithium mines come to town, especially in places like Chile's Atacama Desert, there's a whole conversation about whether the local folks, particularly Indigenous communities, actually get a say. The idea is that these communities should be asked for their okay before anything starts happening on their land. It's called 'prior informed consent,' and it's supposed to make sure their voices are heard. But, honestly, it doesn't always work out that way. Sometimes, it feels like the consultations are just a box to tick, not a real chance for people to influence decisions that will change their lives and their environment forever. It's a tough situation when decisions are made far away, impacting people who have lived on that land for generations.

Disruption of Ancestral Relationships with Water

For many Indigenous groups in the Atacama, water isn't just a resource; it's deeply tied to their culture, their ceremonies, and their very identity. Think about the Lickan Antay people. Water, or 'puri' in their language, is one of the few words that has survived from their ancestral tongue, showing just how important it is. They have traditions like 'limpia de canales' – cleaning out water channels – to keep a good connection with the land and water. When lithium extraction starts sucking up vast amounts of water, it messes with these ancient relationships. It's not just about having less water for daily life; it's about disrupting a spiritual and cultural connection that's been around for centuries. This can lead to a kind of cultural loss, making it hard for people to live the way they always have.

Reconciling Traditional and Scientific Water Knowledge

There's often a gap between how Indigenous communities understand and manage water and the scientific methods used by mining companies. Indigenous knowledge is often passed down through generations, focusing on the interconnectedness of water with the land, the seasons, and the community's well-being. It's a holistic view. On the other hand, scientific approaches tend to focus on measurable quantities, chemical compositions, and extraction rates. Trying to bridge this gap is tricky. It requires a lot of respect and a willingness from both sides to listen and learn. The goal should be to find ways to combine these different kinds of knowledge so that water management is effective and respects both the environment and the people who depend on it. Sometimes, this means acknowledging that traditional practices have a lot of wisdom that science might overlook. It's about finding a balance that works for everyone involved, not just the companies.

Environmental Repercussions of Extraction

Threats to Local Ecosystems and Species

Extracting lithium, especially through methods like brine evaporation in places like the Atacama, puts a massive strain on the delicate desert environment. These operations can drastically alter the water table, impacting the few plants and animals that manage to survive in such an arid region. Think about the flamingos that rely on the salt flats for food – their habitats are directly threatened when water levels change or become contaminated. It's not just about the big, charismatic animals either; entire microbial communities in the soil and water can be wiped out.

Contamination of Water Resources

When mining happens, there's always a risk of chemicals and heavy metals leaching into the surrounding water. This isn't just a hypothetical problem; it's something that communities and ecosystems downstream have to deal with. The process can involve using various chemicals, and if these aren't managed perfectly, they can end up in rivers, groundwater, and even the soil. This contamination can make water undrinkable for both people and wildlife, and it can persist for a very long time, making recovery difficult.

Biodiversity Loss Linked to Mining

It's a tough truth, but mining activities are a major driver of biodiversity loss globally. When you clear land for mines, build roads, and disrupt natural water flows, you're essentially destroying habitats. This forces species to move, if they can, or face extinction. The sheer scale of mining operations means that even in seemingly barren areas, there are often unique and specialized species that can't adapt to such rapid and drastic changes. The push for green energy shouldn't come at the cost of wiping out the very natural world we're trying to protect.

The environmental footprint of mining is substantial. Beyond the immediate site of extraction, the infrastructure required, the waste generated, and the potential for spills or leaks create a ripple effect of damage that can extend far beyond the mine's boundaries. This long-term impact is often underestimated when assessing the true cost of resource extraction.

Here's a look at some of the common environmental impacts:

• Water Depletion: Lithium extraction, particularly from brines, requires vast amounts of water, often drawn from already scarce sources. This can lead to the drying up of rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers.

• Soil Degradation: The removal of topsoil, the use of heavy machinery, and the potential for chemical spills can degrade soil quality, making it difficult for vegetation to regrow.

• Habitat Destruction: Clearing land for mines, processing facilities, and associated infrastructure directly destroys the habitats of local flora and fauna.

• Air Pollution: Dust from mining operations and emissions from processing plants can pollute the air, affecting both human health and the environment.

The Paradox of Green Technology

Lithium's Role in Climate Change Mitigation

We're all told that electric cars and renewable energy storage are the way to go if we want to fight climate change. And it's true, lithium is a key ingredient in the batteries that make all of this possible. Think about it: every time an electric vehicle replaces a gas guzzler, or a solar farm stores its energy for a cloudy day, that's lithium at work, helping to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. It feels like a win-win, right? We get cleaner air and a more stable climate.

The Carbon Footprint of Battery Production

But here's where things get a bit complicated. Making all these green gadgets isn't exactly a clean process. Extracting lithium, especially from places like the Atacama Desert, uses a massive amount of water – up to 2 million liters per ton, mostly lost to evaporation. Then there's the actual manufacturing of batteries. Producing one ton of lithium can release about 15 tons of CO₂. So, while the end product is meant to be green, the journey to get there leaves a pretty significant carbon footprint. It's like saying you're going on a diet, but you start by eating a whole cake. It’s a tough pill to swallow when you realize the tools meant to save the planet have their own environmental costs.

Balancing Global Needs with Local Costs

This whole situation brings up a really uncomfortable question: does fighting climate change globally mean we have to accept environmental damage and human rights issues locally? The demand for these "critical minerals" is skyrocketing. The International Energy Agency predicts lithium demand could jump 42 times by 2040. This rush to secure resources is creating new geopolitical tensions, with countries scrambling to get their hands on supplies. Meanwhile, communities living near these extraction sites, like those in Chile, are dealing with water scarcity and the disruption of their ancestral lands. It's a tough balancing act, trying to meet a global need without sacrificing the well-being of specific places and people. We can't just ignore the impact on places like the Atacama Desert, where mining operations are failing to protect environmental and Indigenous rights due to governance issues. It makes you wonder if we're just trading one set of problems for another in our quest for a greener future.

The push for green technology, while necessary for combating climate change, presents a significant dilemma. The very materials required for this transition, like lithium, are extracted through processes that can be water-intensive and environmentally damaging. This creates a conflict between global environmental goals and local ecological and social impacts, raising questions about the true sustainability of our current approach.

Here's a quick look at the trade-offs:

• Initial Carbon Debt: Manufacturing batteries, including lithium extraction, creates an upfront carbon footprint. For example, extracting one ton of lithium can result in about 15 tons of CO₂ emissions.

• Lifecycle Benefits: However, over its lifespan, an electric vehicle powered by these batteries can prevent the emission of roughly 20,400 tons of CO₂ compared to a traditional gasoline car.

• Water Consumption: The extraction process, particularly brine evaporation in places like Chile, can consume vast amounts of water, impacting local ecosystems and communities.

It's a complex picture, and finding solutions that truly benefit everyone, everywhere, is going to take a lot more than just developing new technologies. We need to think about how these resources are managed and who truly benefits from the transition.

Geopolitical Landscape of Lithium

Concentration of Refining and Manufacturing

It's pretty wild how concentrated the lithium game is. While places like Australia and Chile are pulling the raw stuff out of the ground, a huge chunk of the actual processing happens elsewhere. China, for instance, refines a massive amount of the world's critical minerals, including lithium. This means that even though other countries have the resources, the power to turn that resource into usable battery material often lies with a few key players. It's like having all the ingredients for a cake but only one person has the oven to bake it.

Global Competition for Critical Minerals

We're seeing a real scramble for these minerals, lithium included. It's not just about who has the most reserves anymore; it's about who can process it, who can manufacture the batteries, and who controls the supply chains. This competition can get pretty intense, and it's shaping international relations in new ways. Countries are looking to secure their own sources and processing capabilities to avoid being left behind in the shift to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. This is especially true for nations aiming to develop their own lithium industries, like those in the South American lithium triangle, where countries like Bolivia's lithium reserves are significant but face development challenges.

New Dependencies in the Energy Transition

This whole situation creates a bit of a paradox. We're trying to move away from fossil fuels to combat climate change, but in doing so, we're creating new dependencies on a different set of resources and a different set of countries. The reliance on a few nations for processing and manufacturing batteries means that disruptions in one region can have ripple effects globally. It's a complex web, and figuring out how to build a truly resilient and equitable energy future is a big challenge.

Here's a quick look at where things stand:

• Refining Power: China processes a significant majority of the world's lithium.

• Manufacturing Dominance: China also leads in the production of lithium-ion batteries.

• Supply Chain Vulnerability: This concentration creates potential bottlenecks and geopolitical risks.

The global push for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage has put lithium in the spotlight. However, the uneven distribution of mining, refining, and manufacturing capabilities creates a complex geopolitical landscape. This concentration of power in certain regions raises questions about supply chain security and the potential for new forms of global dependency as the world transitions away from fossil fuels.

Exploring Alternative Extraction Technologies

So, while the world is scrambling for lithium to power our electric cars and gadgets, the way we're getting it out of the ground, especially in places like Chile's Atacama Desert, is causing some serious problems. The traditional methods, like pumping brine from underground and letting it evaporate in huge pools, use an unbelievable amount of water. This is a huge issue in an already dry region. But what if there were other ways? Scientists and companies are looking into different methods, and some of them sound pretty promising.

Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) Promises

One of the big ideas floating around is Direct Lithium Extraction, or DLE. Instead of just letting water evaporate, DLE technologies aim to pull the lithium directly out of the brine. Think of it like a more targeted approach. There are a bunch of different DLE methods out there, each with its own way of grabbing that lithium. Some use special sorbent materials that attract lithium ions, while others use membranes or even electrochemical processes. The main selling point? These methods could use a lot less water and, in theory, leave the rest of the brine behind to be reinjected underground. This could be a game-changer for reducing the environmental footprint of lithium mining. It's not a magic bullet, though; each DLE process has its own set of challenges and potential impacts that need careful study. We're talking about things like the chemicals used in the process and the energy required to run the equipment. It's a complex puzzle, but the potential benefits are significant.

Potential Water Demands of New Technologies

Even with these new DLE technologies, we can't just assume they're water-neutral. While they promise to use less water than evaporation ponds, they still need water for various parts of the process. For example, some sorbent-based DLE methods might need water to wash the lithium off the sorbent material. Other processes might require water for cooling or for other operational needs. It's important to get a clear picture of the total water footprint for each specific DLE technology. We need to ask: how much water is really needed, and where will it come from? Without this detailed information, we risk swapping one water problem for another. It's like trying to fix a leaky faucet by drilling a new hole in the pipe – it doesn't really solve the underlying issue. We need to be sure that these new methods are genuinely more sustainable in the long run, especially for communities already struggling with water scarcity.

Geothermal Lithium Development

Another exciting avenue is developing lithium extraction alongside geothermal energy production. This is particularly being explored in places like California's Salton Sea, an area with a lot of geothermal activity. The idea is that as geothermal plants pump hot water from deep underground to generate electricity, that water also contains dissolved lithium. So, you can extract the lithium from the geothermal brine before or after it's used for power generation. This approach has a couple of big advantages. First, it taps into an existing energy infrastructure, potentially making it more efficient. Second, it could provide a more consistent supply of lithium, as geothermal activity is ongoing. This dual-purpose extraction could significantly reduce the environmental impact compared to traditional methods. It's a way to get two valuable resources from the same source, which sounds pretty smart. However, like any new technology, there are still questions to be answered about the efficiency of lithium recovery from geothermal brines and the overall environmental impact of these combined operations. It's a developing field, and we're still learning about its full potential and challenges.

The push for cleaner energy sources is understandable, but we have to be careful not to create new environmental problems in the process. Looking at alternative ways to get lithium is smart, but we need to be really thorough in checking out how much water they actually use and what other impacts they might have on local communities and the environment. It's not just about getting the lithium; it's about how we get it and who benefits or suffers from that process. We need to make sure that the solutions for today's energy needs don't create bigger problems for tomorrow, especially for the people living in these resource-rich areas. We need to consider the full picture, not just the shiny new technology.

Here's a quick look at some of the key differences:

• Evaporation Ponds: Use vast amounts of water, take a long time, and have a large land footprint. They are the traditional method in places like the Atacama. local environmental and economic impacts

• Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE): Aims to pull lithium directly from brine, potentially using much less water and leaving brine for reinjection. Still requires water for processing.

• Geothermal Lithium: Extracts lithium from hot water used in geothermal power generation. Offers a dual benefit of energy and mineral extraction, potentially with a lower water footprint than evaporation.

It's clear that innovation is happening, and that's a good thing. But we need to keep a close eye on these new technologies to make sure they're truly better for the planet and the people living near the extraction sites.

Community Voices and Resistance

It's easy to get caught up in the big picture of electric cars and renewable energy, but sometimes we forget about the people living right where all this lithium comes from. In places like Chile's Atacama Desert, communities are feeling the squeeze, and they're not just going to sit back and watch their water disappear. They're speaking up, organizing, and pushing back against what they see as unfair practices.

Framing the Sacrifice of Water Resources

For many indigenous groups in the Atacama, water isn't just a resource; it's deeply tied to their culture, their history, and their very way of life. When lithium extraction starts sucking up vast amounts of water, it's not just an environmental issue, it's an attack on their identity. They feel like their ancestral lands and traditions are being sacrificed for the sake of technology that benefits people far away. It's a tough pill to swallow when your basic needs are ignored for someone else's convenience.

Protests Against Destructive Mining Practices

People aren't just talking; they're taking action. You see protests, marches, and community meetings happening all over. They're using signs, songs, and even art to get their message across. One common slogan you hear is, 'It's not a drought, it's a robbery.' This really sums up their frustration – they believe the water scarcity isn't just a natural problem, but a direct result of mining companies taking what isn't theirs. It’s a powerful way to frame the issue, making it clear that this is about more than just water levels.

Demands for Transparency and Ethical Sourcing

What these communities are asking for is pretty straightforward: be honest about what's happening and make sure it's done right. They want to know how much water is being used, where it's going, and what the real impact is on their environment and their lives. They're pushing for ethical sourcing, meaning companies should consider the human and environmental costs, not just the profit margins. It’s about making sure that the transition to greener tech doesn’t come at the expense of vulnerable communities and their precious water resources.

The struggle in the Atacama highlights a difficult truth: the 'green' revolution might be creating new forms of environmental and social injustice. It forces us to question who really pays the price for our modern conveniences and whether we can truly achieve sustainability without addressing these deep-seated inequalities.

The Economic Equation of Lithium

Resource Paradox: Wealth vs. Depletion

It's a bit of a head-scratcher, isn't it? We're told lithium is the key to a cleaner future, this "white gold" that powers our electric dreams. But digging it up, especially in places like Chile's Atacama Desert, comes with a hefty price tag, and not just in dollars. The sheer amount of water needed for extraction is staggering, a real problem in an already bone-dry region. This creates a tough situation where the promise of economic gain clashes directly with the reality of depleting a vital, scarce resource: water. It feels like we're trading one problem for another, and the long-term costs are still pretty fuzzy.

Unequal Distribution of Benefits

When you look at who actually profits from all this lithium mining, it's not always the communities living right there. A lot of the raw material gets shipped off, processed elsewhere, and then turned into batteries that end up powering devices and cars all over the world. The big mining companies and the countries that refine the lithium often see the biggest financial wins. Meanwhile, the local folks, the ones dealing with the environmental changes and water shortages, don't always see a fair share of the wealth generated. It makes you wonder if the "green" revolution is really benefiting everyone equally.

Community Benefit Agreements as a Floor

To try and make things a bit fairer, sometimes "community benefit agreements" are put in place. Think of these as a starting point, a minimum level of compensation or support for the local communities affected by mining operations. These agreements can cover things like:

• Investments in local infrastructure (schools, healthcare).

• Job training programs for residents.

• Environmental monitoring and restoration projects.

• Direct financial contributions to community funds.

They're supposed to help offset the negative impacts and ensure that the communities aren't just left with the environmental fallout. But honestly, these agreements are often just the bare minimum, and whether they truly address the deep-seated issues of water rights and cultural preservation is a whole other debate. It's like putting a band-aid on a much bigger wound.

The global demand for lithium is skyrocketing, driven by the push for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. This surge in demand has put immense pressure on lithium-producing regions, particularly in South America's "Lithium Triangle." While the economic potential is undeniable, the extraction process is incredibly water-intensive, leading to significant environmental and social challenges for local communities and indigenous groups who rely on these scarce water resources for their survival and traditional ways of life. The question remains whether the global transition to green energy can be achieved without disproportionately burdening these vulnerable populations and their environments.

Towards a Just Energy Transition

The push for electric vehicles and renewable energy sources is absolutely necessary to combat climate change, but we can't just ignore the costs. It feels like we're trading one set of problems for another, and that's not really a solution, is it? We need to think about how we get these materials and who actually benefits. It's a complex puzzle, and frankly, the current path isn't working for everyone.

Transforming Production and Consumption Patterns

We've got to get smarter about how we use energy and resources. Relying solely on individual electric cars, for instance, still means a lot of roads and a lot of energy. Shifting focus to public transport, cycling, and walking makes a huge difference in how much stuff we need to dig up. Plus, just using less energy overall cuts down on the need for all this new infrastructure and the materials that go into it. It's about rethinking our habits, not just swapping out old tech for new tech.

Investing in Recycling and Material Recovery

Instead of constantly mining for new lithium, we should be getting way better at recycling batteries. Think about it: every old battery is a potential source of valuable materials. Governments and companies need to put serious money into building up recycling facilities and making sure manufacturers actually use recycled content. This closes the loop and reduces the pressure on places like the Atacama Desert. It's a smarter, more sustainable way forward.

Preserving Sensitive Ecosystems and Watersheds

This is a big one. Mining operations, especially for minerals like lithium, can really mess with local environments. We need stricter rules to protect water sources and delicate ecosystems. Sometimes, the best approach might be to put a stop to mining altogether in areas that are too fragile or where indigenous communities have strong ties to the land and water. Protecting these places is just as important as developing new energy technologies. Indigenous peoples are often on the front lines, facing the dilemma of having critical minerals located on their lands, balancing the demands of the energy transition with the protection of their territories and rights [d4df].

The transition to renewable energy is vital, but it shouldn't come at the expense of human rights or the environment. We can't solve the climate crisis by destroying the planet in the process. Finding a balance is key.

Here are some ways we can move towards a fairer system:

• Demand transparency: Push for systems like "Battery Passports" that track where materials come from and how they're produced.

• Support community rights: Make sure indigenous communities have a real say in projects affecting their lands and water, respecting their right to prior consent.

• Invest in alternatives: Explore and fund technologies that use fewer resources or have less environmental impact, like advanced recycling or different battery chemistries.

• Reduce overall demand: Promote energy efficiency and sustainable transportation options beyond just individual electric vehicles.

Moving Forward: A Greener Path?

So, we've seen how the push for electric cars and cleaner energy, while important, is causing real problems for places like Chile's Atacama Desert. It's a tough spot: we need to cut down on pollution, but we can't just ignore the water shortages and the impact on local communities and wildlife. The way things are now, it feels like we're trading one environmental issue for another. Hopefully, new technologies and a real commitment to listening to the people who live there can help us find a better way. We need to make sure that going green doesn't mean leaving some people and places behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is lithium important for electric cars and green technology?

Lithium is a key ingredient in the batteries that power electric cars and help store energy from renewable sources like solar and wind. Because these technologies don't burn fossil fuels, they are seen as crucial for fighting climate change.

What problems does lithium mining cause in places like the Atacama Desert?

Extracting lithium, especially from salt flats, uses a huge amount of water. In the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, this massive water use can dry up rivers and lagoons, affecting local communities who rely on that water and harming wildlife like flamingos.

How does lithium mining affect indigenous communities?

Indigenous communities in areas like the Atacama Desert have deep cultural and ancestral ties to the land and water. When mining companies take large amounts of water, it disrupts their way of life, their access to clean water, and their traditional practices. They often feel their rights are not respected when decisions are made about mining projects.

Is lithium mining really 'green' if it causes so many problems?

That's the big question, often called the 'green paradox.' While lithium helps create technologies that reduce carbon emissions from driving, the mining process itself can harm the environment and local communities. It's a trade-off where the benefits for the global climate might come at a high cost locally.

Where does most of the world's lithium processing happen?

Although lithium is mined in several countries, China plays a major role in processing it and manufacturing the batteries. This means many countries trying to transition to electric vehicles are dependent on China's supply chains, which creates new geopolitical challenges.

Are there new technologies that could make lithium mining less harmful?

Yes, researchers and companies are exploring new methods like Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE). These technologies aim to get lithium without using huge evaporation pools, potentially using less water. However, some of these new methods might still need significant amounts of water for their processes.

What do local communities want regarding lithium mining?

Many communities want their voices to be heard and respected. They are asking for transparency about mining operations, ethical sourcing of materials, and fair benefits from the resources extracted. They also demand that their rights, especially their right to water and their ancestral lands, be protected.

What's the bigger picture for a 'just' energy transition?

A truly fair energy transition means not just switching to electric cars and renewable energy, but also changing how we produce and use things. This includes investing in battery recycling, reducing overall energy demand, and making sure that mining practices respect human rights and protect the environment, rather than sacrificing one for the other.