Lithium is the lightest known metal on the planet. Because of this excellent characteristic, there has been an increasing demand for the aforementioned chemical element. Lithium is widely used in various electric devices such as cell phones and electric cars. Simply put, lithium plays a large role in today's world. Extracting this element, however, has harmful effects on the environment.
Whether it's fossil fuels (such as coal and oil) or lithium, resource extraction could lead to many environmental issues such as soil degradation, water shortages, biodiversity loss, and even global warming. Lithium extraction, specifically, causes soil damage and air contamination.
These lithium extraction fields in Chile (photographed by Tom Hegen) may look bright and colorful, but they also show the dark truth behind our "swiftly electrifying world."
But does this mean we should stop mining lithium? Some scientists believe so and are calling to stop such activities. Some scientists, meanwhile, are looking for better alternatives like iron and silicon-based batteries.
Images: Tom Hegen
#Environment #Lithium #Batteries #Energy