Balancing Progress and Justice: Mining and Batteries
As the world rightly moves to renewable energy, we face a critical task: we must move away from fossil fuels — which are responsible for millions of premature deaths and extensive environmental damage — while ensuring that our solutions do not further harm people or the planet.
As the world rightly moves to renewable energy, we face a critical task: we must move away from fossil fuels — which are responsible for millions of premature deaths and extensive environmental damage — while ensuring that our solutions do not further harm people or the planet. Globally, energy production is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, around 30%. In the United States, transportation edges out energy production, accounting for around 28% of emissions. While renewable energy offers the promise of a cleaner future, the batteries that store wind and solar power, and power electric vehicles depend on critical metals whose extraction can come with a steep human and environmental toll. Ethical practices in battery mining and refining are critically important to the renewable energy transition. Policy reform, technological innovation, and community action supports climate solutions while protecting and healing communities and safeguarding our planet.
Fossil fuel production has already scarred communities and ecosystems, and now the skyrocketing demand for lithium, nickel, manganese, graphite, and cobalt has led to practices that echo past injustices. For example, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, cobalt mining is frequently associated with human rights abuses, including the use of child labor and hazardous working conditions. Similarly, lithium mining in the Lithium Triangle of South America has spurred conflicts over water scarcity, land degradation, and the displacement of indigenous populations.
These examples reveal why we must ensure that our move to renewable energy doesn’t compound the injustices already created by the fossil fuel industry. In the United States, outdated mining laws — unchanged since 1872 — have long failed to safeguard communities against the disruptive impacts of resource extraction. Efforts such as the introduction of the Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act in Congress and a joint agency collaboration by the Department of the Interior in 2022, signal a growing commitment to ethical, sustainable sourcing standards that demand informed community consent. Globally, there is also mounting pressure for stronger international standards. Initiatives like the OECD’s Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains and the EU’s Conflict Minerals Regulation are pushing companies and governments worldwide to adopt transparent, responsible mining practices. Together, these U.S. and global policy-level solutions can help ensure that our renewable energy future is built on a foundation of justice and environmental integrity.
At the same time, advancements in battery technology offer a path forward. By increasing the reuse and recycling of batteries, we can create a circular economy that minimizes environmental impact while reducing our reliance on newly mined minerals. Investing in next-generation battery storage means developing more efficient systems that store energy reliably while using fewer critical metals. Together, these innovations can help make our renewable energy transition both sustainable and responsible.
This integrated approach — one that combines the promise of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy with a steadfast commitment to social and environmental justice — is essential for achieving lasting, equitable progress. We can all be part of a just and sustainable future by deepening our knowledge (become a Climate Ambassador), using our voices and voting, and connecting with and supporting organizations that work for a just transition like Just Transition Alliance and Creation Justice Ministries which advocate for inclusive decision-making, protect workers’ rights, and address the social and economic implications of transitioning to clean energy. We can help shape an energy future that not only meets our climate goals but also respects the rights and well-being of all communities.
Learn More + Resources:
- Electric Vehicle Battery Supply Chains: The Basics
- Their batteries hurt the environment, but EVs still beat gas cars. Here’s why
- Batteries and Environmental Justice – Earthworks
- Battery Circularity: The Key to an Ethical and Sustainable EV Transition – Earthworks
- To Create a Clean Energy Future, Mining Reform Must Be Front and Center – Earthjustice
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About the Authors
Rev. Carol Devine is the Director of Blessed Tomorrow, a coalition of religious partners united in caring for creation.
Sydney Otis is the Network Engagement Manager at ecoAmerica, supporting the Ambassador program and learning management system for Climate for Health, Blessed Tomorrow, and Path to Positive.