This website uses cookies as well as similar tools and technologies to understand visitors’ experiences. By continuing to use this website, you consent to Columbia University’s usage of cookies and similar technologies, in accordance with the Columbia University Website Cookie Notice.

I Agree

News

Explore our expert insights and analysis in leading energy and climate news stories.

Announcements

Energy Explained

Get the latest as our experts share their insights on global energy policy.

Featured

Podcasts

Hear in-depth conversations with the world’s top energy and climate leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society.

Featured

Events

Find out more about our upcoming and past events.

Featured
October 29, 2026 • 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm ist

Columbia India Energy Dialogue 2026

The Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and ReNew invite you to Columbia India Energy Dialogue 2026, taking place...

Event • The Oberoi, New Delhi
Dr Zakir Hussain Marg, Delhi Golf Club, Golf Links
New Delhi, Delhi 110003, India
Columbia India Energy Dialogue 2026

About Us

We are the premier hub and policy institution for global energy thought leadership. Energy impacts every element of our lives, and our trusted fact-based research informs the decisions that affect all of us.

Podcast
The Big Switch

The Mining Conundrum For Critical Minerals

March 6, 2024

This is the second episode of a five-part series exploring the lithium-ion battery supply chain. If you haven’t listened to the first episode, we recommend you start there.

Season 4, Episode 2

We need to increase critical mineral production fast to electrify our world. Can we do it without harming local communities and the environment?

To produce enough batteries to reach global net-zero goals, the International Energy Agency says we’ll need to increase production of critical minerals by six fold by 2040. It’s a monumental task. 

It can feel like a contradictory mission. To save the planet, we have to mine more minerals; but mining and processing those minerals increases emissions and often negatively impacts indigenous communities and the environment. 

In this episode, we start at the beginning of the battery supply chain—lithium mining. 

We’ll ask why so much rides on where and how we source lithium, and whether we can balance growing demand with local communities and the land.

Related

More Episodes

Our Work

Relevant
Publications

See All Work

Sign Up Today

Get the latest news and research on energy & climate policy.