Lithium batteries are the mainstay of electric vehicles. But research suggests that lithium extraction can be harmful for the environment as it destroys soil structure and disturbs the groundwater table.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to account for 60% of new car sales by 2030. Furthermore, governments across the world are pushing for a faster transition to EVs to reduce the impact of fossil fuel-based vehicles on the environment.
Lithium batteries and Usage
Lithium batteries are essential for an electric, rechargeable future. They are lightweight and play a crucial role in the world’s transition away from fossil fuel-based products. Lithium-ion batteries have now become a part of everyday life and are even used in wheelchairs, bikes, scooters, and other mobility aids.
As they offer long-lasting power, lithium batteries are also used in solar panels. The batteries charge batteries and are highly efficient. Lithium batteries also have a self-discharge rate that is 10 times lower than lead-acid batteries, making them ideal for situations where they are not under continuous use.
Is Lithium good for the environment?
Over the years, the demand for lithium has risen steadily as sales of electric vehicles went up. EVs, laptops, mobile phones, and other devices run on lithium batteries. But as the world moves toward clean energy by using EVs, let us take a look at how dirty lithium extraction can be.
As the world is electrified, lithium mining’s environmental effect has been buried in the news.
Through 2021, lithium producers increased their pace and area, as demand skyrocketed. From salty brine grounds in Chile and other dry regions to Australia and North Carolina, lithium extraction has polluted local ecosystems on an unprecedented scale.
Lithium Batteries: The Environmental Frenemy
Currently, the world produces enough lithium to meet demand, but over the next decade demand is expected to go up tenfold. For now, the world has enough lithium reserves to be mined. But the problem lies in the process of lithium extraction.
Lithium is usually found in underground deposits of clay, in mineral ore or underground pockets of water. Removing these deposits disturbs the soil, the water table, and causes damage to the local ecosystem. Any form of extraction tends to harm the planet. Lithium extraction is no different. It also releases enormous amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses during the process.
According to a report by Friends of the Earth (FoE), lithium extraction is jeopardizing access to clean water for people living near the mining sites. From a 0% market share in 1991 to 80% share in 2007, lithium use in rechargeable batteries have risen through the roof. While EVs might help you bring down carbon-emissions, the lithium extraction process is carbon-intensive.
Apart from the harm caused during extraction, toxic chemicals are needed to process lithium. The release of such chemicals through leaching, spills or air emissions can harm communities, ecosystems, and food production. Additionally, the extraction process disturbs the soil and also causes air contamination. The metal’s chemical components are also responsible for causing respiratory problems amongst humans and animals.
The future of lithium mining and extraction is directly tied to demand. As continued use of electronic products with lithium-ion batteries rise, this demand shows no sign of slowing down. Overall, the extraction and production of lithium-based batteries directly contribute towards global warming.
Experts have called for extensive studies on the long-term impact of this extracting metal and how it can be managed. Extensive social and environmental laws are also needed to regulate the procurement, processing, and usage of this metal.
If left unchecked, we could find ourselves in the midst of the very crisis we tried to avert.
