How metal consumption contributes to the climate crisis and why we need a climate-friendly raw material transition!
To put an end to the climate crisis, technological solutions have so far been used in particular. Many people want to continue their business and life with as few changes as possible. This ‘continue to do so’ ignores questions of justice. However, the consequences of the climate crisis and the mining of raw materials are unevenly distributed globally. Similarly, neither the use of raw materials nor energy is globally fair.
In this publication we deal with the climate, environmental and social consequences of mining and the raw material production of metals. Metals are the basis of our coexistence and for the so-called green technologies. Without them, no wind power or solar systems, no electric cars, no digitalization. Almost all studies by the International Energy Agency, the World Bank, the EU Commission, the Federal Government or GIZ predict strongly growing metal requirements.
But are these needs compatible with climate protection goals and climate justice? And if not, how can a turnaround in raw materials be achieved that reduces the absolute consumption of metallic raw materials while still enabling the transition to the post-fossil era?
This publication was funded by Engagement Global and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and DevelopmentWork and Development (BMZ). The contents of the publication are Only the publishers are responsible; the positions shown here do not reflect the position of the donors.
