Sustainability by numbers

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We have enough minerals for the energy transition, but medium-term supply is a challenge [Part 1]
We won't run out of minerals to build a low-carbon energy system.
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Hannah Ritchie
10
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How much waste do solar panels and wind turbines produce?
Solar and wind produce less waste than coal; but they can reduce waste even further
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Hannah Ritchie
46
The world has enough minerals for low-carbon electricity
Total reserves are not the issue – mine construction and geopolitical risks are likely to be larger barriers to progress.
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Hannah Ritchie
22
The low-carbon energy transition will need less mining than fossil fuels, even when adjusted for waste rock
Low-carbon electricity will reduce material requirements, but moving to electric vehicles increases them
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Hannah Ritchie
21
Can solar and wind power Britain? An update of David MacKay’s numbers
These technologies have developed a lot since 2008. Should we be any more optimistic about their potential to power Britain?
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Hannah Ritchie
79
Electrification is efficiency: The world will need less energy after the transition
Electrification means that final energy demand falls, without changing the value that we get from energy services.
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Hannah Ritchie
34
Meat substitutes need to get a lot cheaper
Meat substitutes are more expensive than their meaty equivalents. Until they're cheaper, they will struggle to bite into the protein market.
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Hannah Ritchie
36
Net-zero: it’s not just where you end up, but how you get there that matters
Delaying emissions cuts makes climate change worse, even if countries reach net-zero in 2050.
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Hannah Ritchie
32
Sustainability by numbers
Sustainability by numbers
Using data and research to understand what really makes a difference
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