Governments, industry and other key players can now deploy a new action-oriented toolkit to ensure the global energy transition unfolds with equity, justice and sustainability as demand for minerals for renewables is poised to almost triple by 2030, according to a report released on Wednesday by a diverse expert panel convened by the UN chief.
"Today's report from the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals is a how-to guide to help generate prosperity and equality alongside clean power," said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Many of today's rapidly growing clean energy technologies, from wind turbines and solar panels to electric vehicles and battery storage, depend on such critical energy transition minerals as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements.
The report identifies ways to ground the renewables revolution in justice and equity so that it spurs sustainable development, respects people, protects the environment and powers prosperity in resource-rich developing countries.
