Metals for low-carbon technologies: Environmental impacts and relation to planetary boundaries

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.133620
• Publication Date: 2022-08-27T09:34:07Z
• Authors: Vanessa Schenker; Viktoras Kulionis; Christopher Obers...; Stephan Pfister
• Keywords: Planetary boundaries; Earth system science; Relevance

Low-carbon technologies are needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change but require large amounts metals, whose mining and processing cause a broad range other environmental impacts. These sound assessment prevent burden-shifting. One approach for that is Planetary Boundary framework which acts as guidance system maintaining stability Earth. This still under development has so far only been applied in few several sectors, not including metal sector. The challenges sectors unique, adaptation potentials existing work have investigated specific data methodology gaps unclear. Hence, this paper reviews current knowledge well open research critical planetary boundaries (including example change, biodiversity integrity, freshwater use) related metals required low-carbon technologies. To complement perspective, life cycle assessments stress relevance fine particulate matter formation toxicity impacts, with (atmospheric aerosol loading introduction novel entities) being least developed ones. interplay different scales like on regional or global level will need further assessment. Finally, we consolidate our findings formulate objectives complete mapping sector onto framework.