In a recent event hosted by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), Elisa Morgera, the UN’s special rapporteur on climate change and human rights, raised concerns about the increasing demand for critical minerals needed for the transition to clean energy. She emphasized the importance of assessing the environmental and human rights impacts of new mining projects before making decisions that could potentially harm both people and the planet.
The Global Race for Critical Minerals
With the rapid deployment of clean energy technologies, there has been a surge in the demand for metals and minerals essential for manufacturing solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and electric vehicles. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that this demand could triple by 2030 and quadruple by 2040 as the green transition gains momentum. This growth would necessitate significant investments in new mining developments to meet the rising need for critical minerals.
Elisa Morgera Urges Caution and Consideration
Elisa Morgera urged a reevaluation of assumptions surrounding the necessity of critical minerals for climate action. She emphasized the importance of conducting thorough assessments of the environmental and human rights impacts of mining projects, as well as exploring alternative sources of these minerals. Morgera stressed the need for a comprehensive understanding of the implications of mining activities on the environment and human rights, calling for a more holistic approach to decision-making in this area.
Challenges and Trade-Offs in the Mining Industry
Mining for critical minerals comes with inherent environmental and social trade-offs that cannot be ignored. Elisa Morgera highlighted the need to move away from the misconception that there is a conflict between addressing climate change and protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples living in areas where critical minerals are extracted. She emphasized that everyone has a right to a healthy environment and underscored the importance of considering who benefits from mining projects and the assumptions underlying those benefits.
The Impact on Communities and the Environment
Communities in mineral-producing countries around the world have reported environmental degradation and human rights violations linked to mining activities. Ketakandriana Rafitoson, director of Publish What You Pay, highlighted the growing issue of land grabbing in these regions, emphasizing the need to respect the territorial rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities affected by mining operations. Additionally, the UN Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Minerals outlined principles for developing supply chains that prioritize justice, equity, and human rights, underscoring the importance of balancing consumption with sustainable supply to reduce environmental impacts.
Recycling and Sustainable Practices
While recycling minerals could help reduce the need for new mining projects and mitigate the negative impacts of mining, the use of recycled materials has not kept pace with rising material consumption. The IEA noted that global resource extraction is on the rise, projecting a 60% increase by 2060. This growth could hinder efforts to achieve global climate, biodiversity, and pollution targets, as well as impact human well-being and economic prosperity. The UN’s Global Resource Outlook report called for high-income countries to reduce resource intensity to allow for more equitable resource use globally.
Looking Ahead
As the UN delves deeper into the complexities of critical minerals, Elisa Morgera is seeking input on the human rights implications of the full life cycle of renewable energy, including the extraction and reuse of critical minerals. She plans to present a report on these issues at the UN in October, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing potential negative impacts on the environment and human rights. This ongoing dialogue is crucial for finding solutions that balance the need for critical minerals with the protection of people and the planet.
