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Lithium-Ion Batteries Need to Be Greener and Ethical
Article

Lithium-Ion Batteries Need to Be Greener and Ethical

Batteries are key to humanity’s future – but they come with environmental and human costs, which must be mitigated.

Nature Editorial
Nature, 2021
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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Scientific
  • Applicable
  • Background

Recommendation

Lithium-ion batteries are so integral to modern life, there’s a good chance you have one within arm’s reach right now. And they’re becoming even more important as people seek to reduce climate threats by electrifying their energy system. The only problem is that both production and disposal harm those who mine the raw materials as well as the environment. This opinion piece offers valuable advice for maximizing benefit while reducing harm by enhancing the reuse and recycling of lithium-ion batteries, and reducing the hazards associated with extracting the raw materials that go into them.

Take-Aways

  • Lithium-ion batteries are the linchpin of the energy transition.
  • They have troubling environmental impacts.
  • They have repercussions for human health and well-being.

About the Author

The editorial staff of Nature produced this editorial as part of a 2021 series on materials and the circular economy.

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