Course Critical Minerals for Electric Vehicles: Addressing Extraction Concerns

Electric vehicles (EV) drastically reduce tailpipe pollution. While transitioning to a zero emissions transportation system is critical to reduce emissions from the transportation sector, the extraction and mining process to obtain the critical minerals needed for EVs creates concerns relating to environmental health impacts for communities near these extraction sites. As demand for critical minerals is growing, it is important for nurses to be aware of the potential for health impacts and what can be done to reduce harm. In this presentation, Jordan Brinn from the Natural Resources Defense Council provides a general overview of the relationship between electric vehicles and the reliance on mining of these minerals. Jordan also discusses how we can improve the mining process and reduce the need for mining, as well as the potential actions nurses can take to ensure health is protected in the transition to a zero emissions future.