Critical materials: Boom or bust for sustainable development

Decarbonizing the global economy is a material-intensive endeavor. Minerals have central role in ambitious climate action, low-carbon energy and mobility transitions, digital revolution—all of which are accelerating pace expanding scope. As we increasingly look toward technology innovation to provide solutions for sustainable future, ensuring that these material-hungry transformations accelerate rather than hinder Sustainable Development Goals will be considerable challenge. The material footprint transformative change exemplified by transition systems. Renewable growth has shown resilience despite challenges presented coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). According International Energy Agency, installed renewable capacity increased record 200 GW 2020, an additional 10% anticipated 2021. In most countries, solar photovoltaics (PV) onshore wind already cheapest options new electricity generation capacity. Europe, hybrid electric vehicles outsold diesel first time US, Tesla became valuable automobile company world. These trends should indeed celebrated as signs much-needed progress. But meet Paris Agreement recent net-zero emission commitments, more needed: PV, turbines, batteries. Agency estimates from renewables expand nearly 50% 2025 account 95% net power then. prospect future rapidly becoming reality, but requirements vast. Low-carbon technologies far mineral intensive fossil fuel technologies. car, instance, five times conventional car includes copper, manganese, nickel, cobalt, lithium. Demand minerals others increase continues. Ambitions hard-wire transitions into post-pandemic economic recovery plans could further demand. World Bank over 3 billion tons metals needed deploying storing required stay within 2°C limits production graphite, lithium, cobalt particular 500% 2050. Such rapid represents exciting opportunity can also put strains on supply lead volatile markets. Different carry different potential risks demand trajectories, together reflected concept criticality, discussed this issue’s primer article Helbig. Criticality assessments help governments industries anticipate reduce risks. criticality isn’t just about risk. Lee et al. their commentary, risk very much matter perspective. extraction, processing, critical materials own health well-being local communities, habitat biodiversity loss, water quality security, geohazards. associated with chains dramatically high-income countries low-income partly because geographical distribution reserves. top three producers various rare earths 75% production, some cases majority reserves located single country. For 70% supplies come Democratic Republic Congo, where cobalt’s extraction been linked human rights abuses. documented one Voices articles, race develop resources South America’s “lithium triangle” not without wide range social environmental repercussions. Without intervention, impacts compound rises. Even cusp boom demand, country’s vast curse. Paradoxically, developing adversely affect development, well-being, political stability. mentioned month’s Q&A interview Antonio Pedro United Nations Economic Commission Africa, extractive industry presents crucial opportunities diversification, poverty reduction, access, even route conserve natural capital throughout continent. outcomes rush challenge—one involving both consumers, geopolitics, ability hold accountable development license operate. Ultimately, broader awareness needed—not only among consumers those pursuing setting goals, targets, trajectories future. On surface, such PV might cheaper fuels, overlooked hidden cost. Rather, benefits trade-offs rigorously assessed sustainability science centered international policy debates. Doing so leverage resource-rich regions and, indeed,