We came across a thought-provoking article by the World Economic Forum posted in 2015. It poses the question ‘how do batteries affect the environment?’, and concludes there are dangers associated with the green revolution. We are not saying the struggle against global warming must not continue. However, we should not be blind to the social consequences.
Dangers Associated with the Green Revolution in Baoding
Baoding is a city of 11 million inhabitants, 150 kilometers southwest of Beijing, and with two claims to fame: Firstly, it is the only carbon-positive city in the world.
Baoding has 170 companies producing huge quantities of solar cells and wind turbines for the United States and Europe.
Thus it is also the greenest city on the planet. Secondly, all of this industrial activity unfortunately also made Baoding the most polluted city in the world by 2014.
Let’s Look at the Green Technical Wave in More Detail
The World Economic Forum is concerned that the advent of electric vehicles is taking our eyes off of the consequences for the environment.
While electric motors reduce global warming effects caused by vehicles by 20%, this comes at an environmental cost. The numbers of wheels on roads is escalating sharply.
The dangers associated with the green revolution in batteries, include the human consequences of mining raw materials, and manufacture.
For example, people involved in making lithium batteries suffer neurological, pulmonary, and respiratory problems. For example, graphite mining in China produces ‘graphite rain’ harmful to local water and air quality. Moreover, lithium battery recycling is an ongoing challenge. It seems there is no ‘free lunch’ in the battery industry either.
The W.E.F Calls for a New Take on Climate Change
The World Economic Forum calls for a broader take on climate change. It believes we should look beyond technological adjustments to the larger social picture. In Europe for example, 80% of carbon emissions are workplace-related. We should continue to press for more alternative energy. However, we must also remember to factor in the human cost behind those shiny electric cars.
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Preview Image: Electric Car Battery
