In 2024, the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) came into force. The regulation is intended to secure Europe's supply of critical raw materials, especially minerals and metals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. The EU is therefore focusing on reducing its dependence on third countries such as China, boosting domestic minerals and metals production, and expanding recycling. In a study published in Communications Earth & Environment, researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) show how the pursuit of security of supply has increasingly pushed sustainability principles into the background. The study also highlights how researchers can help to strengthen sustainability principles in political discourse.

In 2024, the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) came into force. The regulation is intended to secure Europe’s supply of critical raw materials, especially minerals and metals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. The EU is therefore focusing on reducing its dependence on third countries such as China, boosting domestic minerals and metals production, and expanding recycling. In a study published in Communications Earth & Environment, researchers at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) show how the pursuit of security of supply has increasingly pushed sustainability principles into the background. The study also highlights how researchers can help to strengthen sustainability principles in political discourse.

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  • FiniteBanjo@feddit.onlineEnglish
    1·
    1 hour ago

    TBF the Cobalt and Neodymium used in batteries and powered magnets are also necessary for EVs and Military Technology, and China has been restricting exports.

    Yeah, they need to make sure the planet is liveable in 200 years but just as important they need to make sure they’re alive and not ruled by a communist dictatorship in the next 30.