Critical Transitions – Circularity, equality, and responsibility in the quest for energy transition minerals (UNEP, 2024)

This working paper gets to the heart of a complex challenge facing humanity. The world needs vast quantities of minerals to leave the fossil fuel age behind, but these must be produced in a manner that is neither socially nor environmentally damaging. And, it needs to be done quickly. Unless the minerals used to equip the energy transition are extracted and managed responsibly and efficiently, and the benefits shared equitably across producer and consumer countries, the transition could have negative consequences on communities, development and the environment. Under a business-as-usual scenario, more ambitious climate goals, imply more intensive mineral needs (Ekins et al. Forthcoming). This paper outlines a vision for a future where more efficient, circular and responsible use of energy transition minerals equips the green transition, while concurrently meeting climate, biodiversity and pollution goals.