Lakhani, N. (2023, January 24). Revealed: How us transition to electric cars threatens
environmental havoc. The Guardian. Retrieved August 23 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/24/us-electric-vehicles-lithium-consequences-research
While the United States is transferring to electric cars away from gas cars to help the environment, it is actually backfiring. The estimated number of electric cars in 2050 would need triple the amount of lithium that is currently being produced for the global market all together. The bigger problems that could be created come from the need to mine lithium, which could create even more “environmental and social inequalities.” Either way by 2050, the US will achieve zero emissions but is an easier option instead of electrifying everything, changing the dynamic of cities and transportation to make it better socially and environmentally.
The contents in this article are very important to environmental science, because transportation is a method that has a huge effect on the environment. Specifically in this article, they talk about one of the commonly known solutions to coming to zero emissions, electric cars. But to my surprise, they actually revealed the harms when it comes down to lithium, and offered the solution of public transportation. I thought this was very interesting because I did not know about the problem of mining. I also really like how the idea of more public transportation would help people socially as well as the environment.
You’ve made an interesting point about the transition to electric cars potentially backfiring due to the increased demand for lithium. I agree that mining lithium can have significant environmental and social consequences. Public transportation is also an alternative solution, as it not only addresses environmental concerns but can also have positive social impacts. It’s an aspect of the discussion I hadn’t thought about before.
Yes! You bring up a very good point. I think it is so confusing because most articles you read are about transfering to electric cars, but now that is possibily a problem as well.
I also didn’t really have an idea of the Lithium demand but I find it really interesting how hard electric vehicles were being pushed by companies and the government, yet the easiest and cleanest solution is public transportation, which more and more people are calling for. The downsides of EV were not as loud as the “upsides” of it were. This also assumes that Lithium is infinite and can be mined forever.
Yes I think that it is crucial to recongize that people assume it is unlimited.