Critical Minerals in the Just Energy Transition
Description
The clean energy transition presents opportunities and challenges, particularly in critical material supply chains for renewable technologies. This lecture examines socio-environmental tensions in these supply chains, focusing on Lithium Valley in Imperial, California. This region is set to become a key lithium extraction hub for battery technologies, using Direct Lithium Extraction from geothermal brines. However, rapid development raises concerns about environmental justice, community involvement, and resource sustainability. While unique, Lithium Valley exemplifies tensions likely to arise globally. Addressing these challenges equitably may determine the success of a just clean energy transition.
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Speaker Bio
Meg Slattery is a Staff Scientist on the Policy and Legislation team at Earthjustice, specializing in energy, transportation, and critical minerals. Her research analyzes the electric vehicle battery supply chain to inform climate strategies that are sustainable from a life cycle perspective. She holds an MS and PhD in Energy Systems from the University of California, Davis, and a BA in Science, Technology, and Society from Vassar College.