Mining for the Climate

Blue Lab

Behind every solar panel, wind turbine and electric vehicle is at least one mine and a community that has been altered by it. Mining for the Climate peels back the photovoltaic cell and peers under the hood to get to know the people and places impacted by the rush to mine critical minerals. In the process, we take a hard look at the stories told about climate change, mining and the energy transition, and we consider less mining-dependent futures. Mining for the Climate is a co-creation of Nate Otjen and Juan Manuel Rubio. It’s a production of Blue Lab at Princeton University. To learn more about Mining for the Climate and Blue Lab’s other environmental projects and series visit: http://bluelab.princeton.edu/ read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

Episode 1: White Gold Rush
Feb 5 2024
Episode 1: White Gold Rush
A few stories about critical minerals have dominated the news lately: “We must mine to save the planet;” “China is taking over rare-earth elements;” “EVs are leading the green revolution.” These stories lay the groundwork for a future that is unquestionably mining intensive. However, does every mine need to be built? The proposed lithium mine in Gaston County, North Carolina, has not broken ground and it’s already causing significant disruptions for residents. So how dangerous is the idea of a mine? Mining for the Climate is a co-creation of Nate Otjen and Juan Manuel Rubio. It’s a production of Blue Lab at Princeton University. Episode Credits Written by Juan Manuel Rubio Hosted by Juan Manuel Rubio Sound design by Juan Manuel Rubio Research and production team: Max Widmann, Alex Norbrook, Grace Wang, Nate Otjen and Juan Manuel Rubio Music by Purple Planet (www.purple-planet.com) and Pryor Meadows Audio Clip Credits A Look At Lithium Mining, CNN, 2022 Behind the First All-Electric Truck Company, Rivian, CBS Mornings, 2022 Chevron Back in Court for Worst Case of Oil Pollution on the Planet, The Real News Network, 2015 Critical Mineral Mining Sees Unprecedented Growth Fueled by Clean Energy Demand, CNBC, 2023 How Critical Minerals Are Vital to the Climate Fight, ABC News, 2022 In Major Win for Indigenous Rights, Ecuador Votes to Ban Oil Drilling in Protected Amazon Lands, Democracy Now, 2023 Last Look: The Green Transition Will Trigger a New Race for Natural Resources, CNN, 2022 Neighbors Speak out against Piedmont Lithium Mine Plan, 2021  Special Report : Inside the Congo Cobalt Mines That Exploit Children, Sky News, 2017 Copyright 2023 Nate Otjen, Juan Manuel Rubio and Blue Lab. All rights reserved.