Mining for the Climate
Behind every solar panel, wind turbine and electric vehicle is at least one mine and a community that has been altered by it. Mining for the Climate peels back the photovoltaic cell and peers under the hood to get to know the people and places impacted by the rush to mine critical minerals. In the process, we take a hard look at the stories told about climate change, mining and the energy transition, and we consider less mining-dependent futures. Mining for the Climate is a co-creation of Nate Otjen and Juan Manuel Rubio. It’s a production of Blue Lab at Princeton University. To learn more about Mining for the Climate and Blue Lab’s other environmental projects and series visit: http://bluelab.princeton.edu/
Episodes
A few stories about critical minerals have dominated the news lately: “We must mine to save the planet;” “China is taking over rare-earth elements;” “EVs are leading the green revolution.” These stories lay the groundwork for a future that is unquestionably mining intensive. However, does every mine need to be built?
The proposed lithium mine in Gaston County, North Carolina, has not broken ground and it’s already causing significa...
Building a mine requires a substantial amount of land. This episode investigates the tactics used by Piedmont Lithium to accumulate a critical amount of land for its operations. We take listeners to visit burned-out houses and empty lots and to meet the neighbors who sold and those who remain.
Mining for the Climate is a co-creation of Nate Otjen and Juan Manuel Rubio. It’s a production of Blue Lab at Princeton University.
Episode ...
Like a body, a mine has its own metabolism. It consumes water, trees and energy, and it releases chemicals, carbon and wastewater. These metabolic processes are supposed to be hidden: few want to see, hear, smell or taste a mine in operation. Unearthing the body of the mine, we ask how Piedmont Lithium highlights certain aspects of the mine’s processes while directing attention away from others.
Many residents of Gaston County make their living through farming and ranching. We meet a cattle and a horse rancher whose livelihoods and animals are threatened by the mine. Both women are doing everything in their power to stop the mine and maintain their way of life.
Mining for the Climate is a co-creation of Nate Otjen and Juan Manuel Rubio. It's a production of Blue Lab at Princeton University.
Episode Credits
Written by Grace...
The road ahead for the Carolina Lithium project seems uncertain. In this final episode, we look at the greatest obstacle confronting Piedmont Lithium: convincing the Gaston County Board of Commissioners to approve their rezoning request.
Mining for the Climate is a co-creation of Nate Otjen and Juan Manuel Rubio. It's a production of Blue Lab at Princeton University.
Episode Credits
Written by Nate Otjen
Hosted by Nate Otjen
Sound ...
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