In the face of the urgent threat of climate change, economies are undergoing a transition from conventional to renewable sources of energy. What does this mean for the world’s future resource needs? We can expect to see less extraction of coal and oil—but more mining of metals like lithium, copper, cobalt, and nickel, which come with their own social and environmental impacts. This conference will bring together social and natural scientists, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and environmental organizations to examine the nature of these conflicting challenges and explore opportunities to collaborate for solutions. SEI Latin America Centre Director David Purkey will join a panel about the impacts of mining on land, water and the atmosphere.

This virtual event is one of a series led by the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative to examine the environmental and social considerations of specific industries.

Agenda

Thursday 8 September 2022

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Panel 4: Mining impacts on land, water, and atmosphere

• Lydia Jennings, University of Arizona
• David Purkey, Stockholm Environmental Institute
• Noelle Selin, MIT
• Andrew Whittle, MIT

Moderator: Aimee Boulanger, Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance

The full agenda of the event is available here.