This is lithium.
This is lithium.

Pretty soon, we’re going to need a lot of it.
Pretty soon, we’re going to need a lot of it.

Lithium is a useful metal.
Lithium is a useful metal.

It spends its entire existence trying to get rid of its one outer electron but, crucially,
It spends its entire existence trying to get rid of its one outer electron but, crucially,

this reaction can be both controlled and reversed.
this reaction can be both controlled and reversed.

That means, properly configured, the metal can discharge energy when needed, take in
That means, properly configured, the metal can discharge energy when needed, take in

more energy, and then discharge that energy.
more energy, and then discharge that energy.

Essentially, it can act as a battery.
Essentially, it can act as a battery.

It’s only been a few decades since lithium-ion batteries reached commercial feasibility but,
It’s only been a few decades since lithium-ion batteries reached commercial feasibility but,

in that time, they have become the power source of choice for portable electronics thanks
in that time, they have become the power source of choice for portable electronics thanks

to their perfect blend of safety and lightness.
to their perfect blend of safety and lightness.

However, the latest major tech boom, the latest infatuation of Silicon Valley and Wall Street
However, the latest major tech boom, the latest infatuation of Silicon Valley and Wall Street

alike, is centered around the largest consumer electronics product to date: electric vehicles.
alike, is centered around the largest consumer electronics product to date: electric vehicles.

And pretty soon, we’re going to need a lot of them.
And pretty soon, we’re going to need a lot of them.

The UK, for example, has committed to banning internal combustion car sales by 2030.
The UK, for example, has committed to banning internal combustion car sales by 2030.

To replace its 31.5 million vehicles, about 236,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate are
To replace its 31.5 million vehicles, about 236,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate are

needed.
needed.

To produce 236,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate, every lithium mine in the world
To produce 236,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate, every lithium mine in the world

would have to devote its output to this one use for nine months, and there are a whole
would have to devote its output to this one use for nine months, and there are a whole

lot more countries, a whole lot more lithium applications, and a whole lot more growth
lot more countries, a whole lot more lithium applications, and a whole lot more growth

in the forecast.
in the forecast.

While the industry and its issues may be complex, the way in which battery-grade lithium is
While the industry and its issues may be complex, the way in which battery-grade lithium is

produced is not.
produced is not.

Four countries dominate the industry—Argentina, Chile, Australia, and China combined account
Four countries dominate the industry—Argentina, Chile, Australia, and China combined account

for 92% of the globe’s production.
for 92% of the globe’s production.

The metal is extracted from the ground at massive sites like the Greenbushes mine in
The metal is extracted from the ground at massive sites like the Greenbushes mine in

Western Australia, which is the world’s largest hard-rock lithium mine.
Western Australia, which is the world’s largest hard-rock lithium mine.

The site was selected due to the abundance of spodumene in the area, which is a mineral
The site was selected due to the abundance of spodumene in the area, which is a mineral

that contains large concentrations of lithium.
that contains large concentrations of lithium.

Once the raw material is extracted from the ground, it’s transported two and a half
Once the raw material is extracted from the ground, it’s transported two and a half

hours north to the Kwinana Lithium Plant near Perth—a facility majority owned and operated
hours north to the Kwinana Lithium Plant near Perth—a facility majority owned and operated

by a Chinese company, Tianqi Lithium, which is responsible for almost half of the world’s
by a Chinese company, Tianqi Lithium, which is responsible for almost half of the world’s

production of the metal.
production of the metal.

Once refined, lithium hydroxide and other compounds are sold to battery manufacturers,
Once refined, lithium hydroxide and other compounds are sold to battery manufacturers,

which in about three quarters of cases means one of three companies—LG Chem, CATL, or
which in about three quarters of cases means one of three companies—LG Chem, CATL, or

Panasonic.
Panasonic.

The problem, however, is the world’s solution.
The problem, however, is the world’s solution.

In addition to the UK, Iceland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden,
In addition to the UK, Iceland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden,

Israel, Singapore, and South Korea have each committed to banning the sale of internal
Israel, Singapore, and South Korea have each committed to banning the sale of internal

combustion passenger vehicles within the next decade.
combustion passenger vehicles within the next decade.

Adding up their annual passenger vehicle sales numbers from 2019, that means the absolute
Adding up their annual passenger vehicle sales numbers from 2019, that means the absolute

base-case demand for EVs a decade from now will be 9.5 million per year.
base-case demand for EVs a decade from now will be 9.5 million per year.

Just to reach that, EV production would have to quintuple, but even the most conservative
Just to reach that, EV production would have to quintuple, but even the most conservative

forecasters don’t dare tread anywhere close to a number as low as 9.5 million in 2032.
forecasters don’t dare tread anywhere close to a number as low as 9.5 million in 2032.

The market is waking up to what this means for lithium demand.
The market is waking up to what this means for lithium demand.

Across 2021, Seaborne lithium prices rose from around $8,000 per metric ton to over
Across 2021, Seaborne lithium prices rose from around $8,000 per metric ton to over

$30,000—a 400% rise in a mere twelve months—and lithium is hardly the only crucial metal for
$30,000—a 400% rise in a mere twelve months—and lithium is hardly the only crucial metal for

lithium-ion battery production—it’s just the one in the name.
lithium-ion battery production—it’s just the one in the name.

Cobalt and nickel are also critical to most commercially-available versions of these batteries,
Cobalt and nickel are also critical to most commercially-available versions of these batteries,

and the situation is hardly different with them.
and the situation is hardly different with them.

Cobalt prices doubled across 2021, while nickel rose to its highest price in a decade.
Cobalt prices doubled across 2021, while nickel rose to its highest price in a decade.

So, the world needs a lot more metals, but right now, it’s hard to believe the world’s
So, the world needs a lot more metals, but right now, it’s hard to believe the world’s

going to get them.
going to get them.

The biggest hurdle the industry faces is best exemplified here: Thacker Pass, Nevada.
The biggest hurdle the industry faces is best exemplified here: Thacker Pass, Nevada.

Thacker Pass is located in one of the most sparsely populated areas of the country.
Thacker Pass is located in one of the most sparsely populated areas of the country.

It’s an half hour’s drive to the nearest store, an hour to the nearest supermarket,
It’s an half hour’s drive to the nearest store, an hour to the nearest supermarket,

and three to the nearest Starbucks.
and three to the nearest Starbucks.

The few roads that exist in the area are lucky to see a few cars an hour, travelling to and
The few roads that exist in the area are lucky to see a few cars an hour, travelling to and

from the various remote farms, ranches, and communities dotting northern Nevada.
from the various remote farms, ranches, and communities dotting northern Nevada.

That could soon change, though.
That could soon change, though.

250 miles or 400 kilometers to the south is the Silver Peak Lithium Mine.
250 miles or 400 kilometers to the south is the Silver Peak Lithium Mine.

This is the nation’s only currently operating major lithium mine, despite the fact that
This is the nation’s only currently operating major lithium mine, despite the fact that

the US is one of the largest EV markets and home to the world’s largest EV manufacturer.
the US is one of the largest EV markets and home to the world’s largest EV manufacturer.

China, also a major EV market home to major EV manufacturers, has made significant headway
China, also a major EV market home to major EV manufacturers, has made significant headway

in building up its domestic lithium production capacity and the country’s companies also
in building up its domestic lithium production capacity and the country’s companies also

have significant presences at the world’s other major lithium production sites.
have significant presences at the world’s other major lithium production sites.

This has come to concern those in charge in the US.
This has come to concern those in charge in the US.

Therefore, sights are set on Thacker Pass—home to the US’ largest lithium deposit.
Therefore, sights are set on Thacker Pass—home to the US’ largest lithium deposit.

This site could singlehandedly propel the US into the ranks of major lithium producers,
This site could singlehandedly propel the US into the ranks of major lithium producers,

but getting a mine up and running there has proved… difficult.
but getting a mine up and running there has proved… difficult.

The way in which major lithium deposits are distributed across the world is rather cruel.
The way in which major lithium deposits are distributed across the world is rather cruel.

Overwhelmingly, they’re located in arid regions with little water availability, like
Overwhelmingly, they’re located in arid regions with little water availability, like

Nevada.
Nevada.

Thacker Pass receives less than 10 inches or 25 centimeters of rain a year.
Thacker Pass receives less than 10 inches or 25 centimeters of rain a year.

However, the extraction and processing of lithium requires enormous quantities of water.
However, the extraction and processing of lithium requires enormous quantities of water.

It’s expected that operations at the proposed Thacker Pass lithium mine would require 3,224
It’s expected that operations at the proposed Thacker Pass lithium mine would require 3,224

gallons or 12,204 liters of water per minute—roughly equivalent to the contents of a backyard,
gallons or 12,204 liters of water per minute—roughly equivalent to the contents of a backyard,

above-ground pool.
above-ground pool.

That water would be used to pump into the ground as part of the extraction process,
That water would be used to pump into the ground as part of the extraction process,

during refinement, and to conduct necessary dust control at the site.
during refinement, and to conduct necessary dust control at the site.

To get this water the mine would have to pump it out of the ground using wells, but every
To get this water the mine would have to pump it out of the ground using wells, but every

acre-foot of water in the area is strictly allocated, given the degree of scarcity.
acre-foot of water in the area is strictly allocated, given the degree of scarcity.

So the mine has to buy up water rights from others in order to gain the legal right to
So the mine has to buy up water rights from others in order to gain the legal right to

use it.
use it.

What that means, however, is that there’s a direct trade off between one use and another,
What that means, however, is that there’s a direct trade off between one use and another,

and in this case, the other use is predominantly ranching and farming—two key tenants to
and in this case, the other use is predominantly ranching and farming—two key tenants to

the local economy.
the local economy.

In addition, there’s a chance the project could do far more to further the inaccessibility
In addition, there’s a chance the project could do far more to further the inaccessibility

of water in northern Nevada.
of water in northern Nevada.

The US Bureau of Land Management’s Environmental Impact Study for the project found that it
The US Bureau of Land Management’s Environmental Impact Study for the project found that it

presented the distinct possibility of leaking unacceptable levels of arsenic into the area’s
presented the distinct possibility of leaking unacceptable levels of arsenic into the area’s

groundwater table which could take the entire region’s water supply offline for hundreds
groundwater table which could take the entire region’s water supply offline for hundreds

of years.
of years.

In an area where the availability of water undergirds almost all economic activity, that
In an area where the availability of water undergirds almost all economic activity, that

has people seriously concerned.
has people seriously concerned.

The issues only compound on top of that.
The issues only compound on top of that.

As Thacker Pass is, of course, a mountain pass, it acts as a wildlife corridor between
As Thacker Pass is, of course, a mountain pass, it acts as a wildlife corridor between

the Double-H and Montana mountains—two biodiversity hotspots.
the Double-H and Montana mountains—two biodiversity hotspots.

Therefore, the environmental impact study found the project likely to destroy or deteriorate
Therefore, the environmental impact study found the project likely to destroy or deteriorate

thousands of acres of habitat used by the pronghorn antelope, sage grouse, golden eagle,
thousands of acres of habitat used by the pronghorn antelope, sage grouse, golden eagle,

and other unique species.
and other unique species.

For interrelated reasons, the project also has a number of local indigenous tribes concerned—the
For interrelated reasons, the project also has a number of local indigenous tribes concerned—the

most vocal of which is the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe.
most vocal of which is the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe.

They say that during the era of American soldiers rounding up and shipping indigenous people
They say that during the era of American soldiers rounding up and shipping indigenous people

off to reservations, two of the tribe’s families hid out in the shelter Thacker Pass
off to reservations, two of the tribe’s families hid out in the shelter Thacker Pass

provided—so they directly attribute the continued existence of their tribe to the
provided—so they directly attribute the continued existence of their tribe to the

area.
area.

In addition, they consider the pass a sacred site, in part because of a historic massacre
In addition, they consider the pass a sacred site, in part because of a historic massacre

they say occurred there.
they say occurred there.

This assertion, however, was directly challenged in a court case related to the mine project,
This assertion, however, was directly challenged in a court case related to the mine project,

and the judge rejected the claim citing a lack of evidence.
and the judge rejected the claim citing a lack of evidence.

To add to their opposition, the tribe put forward evidence linking the development of
To add to their opposition, the tribe put forward evidence linking the development of

similar resource-extraction projects, which are predominately staffed by men, to increases
similar resource-extraction projects, which are predominately staffed by men, to increases

in the rape and murder of indigenous women in nearby areas.
in the rape and murder of indigenous women in nearby areas.

Even just looking at these few headline issues, it becomes clear that the Thacker Pass lithium
Even just looking at these few headline issues, it becomes clear that the Thacker Pass lithium

mine project is mired in a nearly insurmountable web of controversy and conflict, and it’s
mine project is mired in a nearly insurmountable web of controversy and conflict, and it’s

hardly alone in that status.
hardly alone in that status.

Much of the evidence opponents to the Thacker Pass mine have put forward is based on real-world
Much of the evidence opponents to the Thacker Pass mine have put forward is based on real-world

experiences in the lithium triangle—the nexus between Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia
experiences in the lithium triangle—the nexus between Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia

that hosts some of the world’s most productive lithium production facilities.
that hosts some of the world’s most productive lithium production facilities.

An area in a similar situation—a remote, arid landscape punctuated by small communities
An area in a similar situation—a remote, arid landscape punctuated by small communities

home to a historically oppressed indigenous population—the lithium triangle has seen
home to a historically oppressed indigenous population—the lithium triangle has seen

an economic boon, but it’s come at the cost of environmental and cultural devastation.
an economic boon, but it’s come at the cost of environmental and cultural devastation.

Just as the issues are not confined to one geography, they’re not even confined to
Just as the issues are not confined to one geography, they’re not even confined to

lithium alone.
lithium alone.

Some 70% of the world’s cobalt, a crucial component to current battery tech, comes from
Some 70% of the world’s cobalt, a crucial component to current battery tech, comes from

the Democratic Republic of the Congo—the 8th poorest country in the world, according
the Democratic Republic of the Congo—the 8th poorest country in the world, according

to World Bank figures.
to World Bank figures.

While a majority of the cobalt mining is conducted by large mining companies with often shaky
While a majority of the cobalt mining is conducted by large mining companies with often shaky

safety and human rights records, a concerningly large minority is accomplished through what’s
safety and human rights records, a concerningly large minority is accomplished through what’s

referred to as “artisanal” mining—a term defining the illegal, informal practice
referred to as “artisanal” mining—a term defining the illegal, informal practice

of individuals mining cobalt by themselves and selling it on to shady middlemen.
of individuals mining cobalt by themselves and selling it on to shady middlemen.

The complete lack of safety standards or regulations in the sector means child labor and deadly
The complete lack of safety standards or regulations in the sector means child labor and deadly

mine collapses are rampant.
mine collapses are rampant.

For those that aren’t directly injured or killed on the job, long-term exposure to cobalt
For those that aren’t directly injured or killed on the job, long-term exposure to cobalt

mines has been linked to significant health effects later in life, and fatal birth defects
mines has been linked to significant health effects later in life, and fatal birth defects

for children in the region.
for children in the region.

Altogether, there’s almost no such thing as ethical cobalt.
Altogether, there’s almost no such thing as ethical cobalt.

There’s also almost no such thing as green lithium.
There’s also almost no such thing as green lithium.

There’s little appetite anywhere to increasing lithium mining in the places where it’s
There’s little appetite anywhere to increasing lithium mining in the places where it’s

accessible, and little progress has been made in the DRC in making cobalt mining less socially
accessible, and little progress has been made in the DRC in making cobalt mining less socially

disastrous.
disastrous.

As demand for EVs and their batteries increases, getting more cobalt and lithium will be incredibly
As demand for EVs and their batteries increases, getting more cobalt and lithium will be incredibly

difficult.
difficult.

However, on top of that, getting more cobalt and lithium that’s more ethical and green,
However, on top of that, getting more cobalt and lithium that’s more ethical and green,

or even as ethical and green, will be next to impossible.
or even as ethical and green, will be next to impossible.

But to decarbonize driving, solutions must be found.
But to decarbonize driving, solutions must be found.

One option, rather than finding more raw materials, is to need less of them.
One option, rather than finding more raw materials, is to need less of them.

Of course, the way to do that is by making batteries better.
Of course, the way to do that is by making batteries better.

The most promising short-term innovation that could fulfill that mission is solid state
The most promising short-term innovation that could fulfill that mission is solid state

batteries.
batteries.

Whereas traditional EV batteries have a liquidy, viscous lithium-based electrolyte, solid state
Whereas traditional EV batteries have a liquidy, viscous lithium-based electrolyte, solid state

batteries rather use a solid, metal composition as their ion transport mechanism.
batteries rather use a solid, metal composition as their ion transport mechanism.

This switch has a number of benefits including a higher safety profile that reduces the risk
This switch has a number of benefits including a higher safety profile that reduces the risk

of fire, and therefore reduces the need for expensive safety features.
of fire, and therefore reduces the need for expensive safety features.

Solid state batteries can also be made without cobalt or nickel, which eliminates two problematic
Solid state batteries can also be made without cobalt or nickel, which eliminates two problematic

and costly necessities in current battery tech.
and costly necessities in current battery tech.

Most significant, however, is solid state batteries’ higher energy density.
Most significant, however, is solid state batteries’ higher energy density.

Traditional lithium ion compositions used in EV battery packs store about 114 watt-hours
Traditional lithium ion compositions used in EV battery packs store about 114 watt-hours

of energy per pound, or 250 per kilogram.
of energy per pound, or 250 per kilogram.

That means one pound of battery could move a Tesla Model 3, for example, 0.4 miles, or
That means one pound of battery could move a Tesla Model 3, for example, 0.4 miles, or

1 kilogram 1.3 kilometers.
1 kilogram 1.3 kilometers.

Meanwhile, it’s expected that solid state batteries will be able to store between 175
Meanwhile, it’s expected that solid state batteries will be able to store between 175

and 225 watt-hours per pound or 400 to 500 per kilogram—essentially doubling battery
and 225 watt-hours per pound or 400 to 500 per kilogram—essentially doubling battery

density.
density.

That means Tesla could halve the weight of their half-ton battery pack and not only keep
That means Tesla could halve the weight of their half-ton battery pack and not only keep

range the same, but increase it as the car would no longer need to carry the rest of
range the same, but increase it as the car would no longer need to carry the rest of

the weight of the battery pack.
the weight of the battery pack.

On top of all those benefits, expert believe that, at scale, production costs of solid
On top of all those benefits, expert believe that, at scale, production costs of solid

state batteries could be even less than the cheapest current lithium-ion batteries.
state batteries could be even less than the cheapest current lithium-ion batteries.

However, the issue is getting to that scale.
However, the issue is getting to that scale.

Battery production needs to occur at absolutely massive quantities to reach cost competitiveness—an
Battery production needs to occur at absolutely massive quantities to reach cost competitiveness—an

assertion backed up by the industry’s current effective triopoly.
assertion backed up by the industry’s current effective triopoly.

The process of working down this cost curve is long as there are few applications where
The process of working down this cost curve is long as there are few applications where

battery weight matters as much as with EVs, and EVs won’t switch to solid state batteries
battery weight matters as much as with EVs, and EVs won’t switch to solid state batteries

until their cost is competitive, but their cost will only become competitive when the
until their cost is competitive, but their cost will only become competitive when the

industry reaches a production capacity that only EVs can provide.
industry reaches a production capacity that only EVs can provide.

So, the industry has to wait for some level of scale to occur through niche solid state
So, the industry has to wait for some level of scale to occur through niche solid state

battery applications in medical devices, race cars, and fighter jets; then wait for consumer
battery applications in medical devices, race cars, and fighter jets; then wait for consumer

electronics to realize the weight savings or battery life benefits the innovation could
electronics to realize the weight savings or battery life benefits the innovation could

provide; then wait for the highest-end EVs to incorporate the technology in order to
provide; then wait for the highest-end EVs to incorporate the technology in order to

offer super-long ranges as a luxury; before solid-state batteries can finally reach a
offer super-long ranges as a luxury; before solid-state batteries can finally reach a

cost that would allow them to permeate into what will by then be the large segment of
cost that would allow them to permeate into what will by then be the large segment of

everyday EVs.
everyday EVs.

Most estimates place that enticing end-goal more than a decade away.
Most estimates place that enticing end-goal more than a decade away.

Even if the solid-state battery transition reaches fruition earlier, the world will still
Even if the solid-state battery transition reaches fruition earlier, the world will still

need a whole lot more lithium.
need a whole lot more lithium.

Far from the potential environmental disaster at Thacker Pass is an existing environmental
Far from the potential environmental disaster at Thacker Pass is an existing environmental

disaster—the Salton Sea.
disaster—the Salton Sea.

A century ago, Colorado River floodwaters breached through an irrigation canal and accumulated,
A century ago, Colorado River floodwaters breached through an irrigation canal and accumulated,

over years, in the Imperial Valley’s geographic low-point 236 feet or 72 meters below sea
over years, in the Imperial Valley’s geographic low-point 236 feet or 72 meters below sea

level.
level.

That massive puddle still exists today, but some of the water has slowly evaporated through
That massive puddle still exists today, but some of the water has slowly evaporated through

time, leaving an ever saltier, dirtier accumulation of water.
time, leaving an ever saltier, dirtier accumulation of water.

Thousands more feet below, however, are a number of underground volcanoes that superheat
Thousands more feet below, however, are a number of underground volcanoes that superheat

water to hundreds of degrees.
water to hundreds of degrees.

If one brings that water to the surface, the pressure change leads to it transforming into
If one brings that water to the surface, the pressure change leads to it transforming into

steam and steam, of course, is what most power plants use to drive turbines.
steam and steam, of course, is what most power plants use to drive turbines.

Traditional power plants use coal or natural gas to heat water up into steam, but this
Traditional power plants use coal or natural gas to heat water up into steam, but this

steam is created by the earth—meaning its carbon-free.
steam is created by the earth—meaning its carbon-free.

That’s why Berkshire Hathaway Energy has built 10 geothermal energy plants in the area,
That’s why Berkshire Hathaway Energy has built 10 geothermal energy plants in the area,

but, crucially, this superheated water is filled with something else: lithium.
but, crucially, this superheated water is filled with something else: lithium.

Therefore, these geothermal plants are planning on adding an extra step in their process to
Therefore, these geothermal plants are planning on adding an extra step in their process to

extract lithium from the briny steam they use.
extract lithium from the briny steam they use.

Now, there are certainly significant technological hurdles that stand between now and a future
Now, there are certainly significant technological hurdles that stand between now and a future

of commercially-competitive lithium production at the Salton Sea, especially as the metal
of commercially-competitive lithium production at the Salton Sea, especially as the metal

only represents a tiny portion of the slurry of materials found in the water, but the lithium
only represents a tiny portion of the slurry of materials found in the water, but the lithium

is there.
is there.

Berkshire Hathaway Energy, as the largest existing energy company working around the
Berkshire Hathaway Energy, as the largest existing energy company working around the

Salton Sea, is leading the charge thanks in part to a sizable federal grant, and expects
Salton Sea, is leading the charge thanks in part to a sizable federal grant, and expects

to have its demonstration facility up and running later in 2022.
to have its demonstration facility up and running later in 2022.

A number of other competitors have already started developing their lithium-extraction
A number of other competitors have already started developing their lithium-extraction

plays around the Salton Sea, meaning America’s first lithium boom-town might already be a
plays around the Salton Sea, meaning America’s first lithium boom-town might already be a

foregone conclusion.
foregone conclusion.

These are the kind of solutions needed as the world transitions to electric mobility.
These are the kind of solutions needed as the world transitions to electric mobility.

Electric vehicles, due to their reliance on batteries, are just dirtier than internal
Electric vehicles, due to their reliance on batteries, are just dirtier than internal

combustion vehicles to produce.
combustion vehicles to produce.

That being said, the vast majority of emissions from cars, including from EVs themselves,
That being said, the vast majority of emissions from cars, including from EVs themselves,

come not from the production of vehicles but from driving them.
come not from the production of vehicles but from driving them.

The science on the issue is sound—electric vehicles, from production to use to scrapping,
The science on the issue is sound—electric vehicles, from production to use to scrapping,

are responsible for about 75% less emissions than their internal combustion counterparts,
are responsible for about 75% less emissions than their internal combustion counterparts,

even on current, fossil-fuel based electric grids.
even on current, fossil-fuel based electric grids.

Anyone who argues the opposite is either misinformed or attempting to disinform, and that gap will
Anyone who argues the opposite is either misinformed or attempting to disinform, and that gap will

only widen as grids continue to decarbonize.
only widen as grids continue to decarbonize.

However, there can be better alternatives to better alternatives.
However, there can be better alternatives to better alternatives.

In the coming lithium gold-rush, corners can and likely will be cut.
In the coming lithium gold-rush, corners can and likely will be cut.

The question the world will have to grapple with is whether it’s worth destroying pristine
The question the world will have to grapple with is whether it’s worth destroying pristine

environments like Thacker Pass in the name of environmentalism—whether slowing the
environments like Thacker Pass in the name of environmentalism—whether slowing the

issue on a global level is worth accelerating it on a local level.
issue on a global level is worth accelerating it on a local level.

Then, when the answer inevitably gravitates towards yes, the world will have to grapple
Then, when the answer inevitably gravitates towards yes, the world will have to grapple

with who must confront that local devastation.
with who must confront that local devastation.

If the answer continues to be to place the burden on the world’s most vulnerable, then
If the answer continues to be to place the burden on the world’s most vulnerable, then

even if the steady march of climate change is curbed, will the world have truly succeeded
even if the steady march of climate change is curbed, will the world have truly succeeded

in stopping its effects?
in stopping its effects?

Is it worth sending teenagers to die in a war to prevent the propagation of terrorist
Is it worth sending teenagers to die in a war to prevent the propagation of terrorist

organizations?
organizations?

Is it worth depressing an economy to slow the spread of a pandemic?
Is it worth depressing an economy to slow the spread of a pandemic?

It it worth allowing individuals to own guns for self-protection even if it allows easier
It it worth allowing individuals to own guns for self-protection even if it allows easier

access for bad actors?
access for bad actors?

Determining what is an acceptable sacrifice has historically led to some of the most contentious,
Determining what is an acceptable sacrifice has historically led to some of the most contentious,

perennial political issues in history.
perennial political issues in history.

Here, it’s happening again: the public needs to decide, with the fate of the world on top
Here, it’s happening again: the public needs to decide, with the fate of the world on top

of them, how much bad should be allowed for the greater good.
of them, how much bad should be allowed for the greater good.

If you want to reduce your impact on the environment, one great place to start is with HelloFresh.
If you want to reduce your impact on the environment, one great place to start is with HelloFresh.

HelloFresh is a meal kit service that ships all the ingredients you need for their recipes
HelloFresh is a meal kit service that ships all the ingredients you need for their recipes

in exactly the quantities you need.
in exactly the quantities you need.

The packaging is made out of 100% recycled content, and a University of Michigan study
The packaging is made out of 100% recycled content, and a University of Michigan study

found that HelloFresh cut down on food waste by 25% compared to grocery shopping.
found that HelloFresh cut down on food waste by 25% compared to grocery shopping.

That makes your meals greener, but on top of that, HelloFresh makes cooking a lot more
That makes your meals greener, but on top of that, HelloFresh makes cooking a lot more

convenient.
convenient.

Thanks to those pre-portioned ingredients, your shopping time becomes none and your prep
Thanks to those pre-portioned ingredients, your shopping time becomes none and your prep

time is reduced, so it means you can make fresh, home-cooked meals in less time.
time is reduced, so it means you can make fresh, home-cooked meals in less time.

I love the concept so much that I used HelloFresh for almost a year before they came along and
I love the concept so much that I used HelloFresh for almost a year before they came along and

sponsored us, and still do to this day.
sponsored us, and still do to this day.

For example, last week I had the parmesan chicken with garlic scallions couscous and
For example, last week I had the parmesan chicken with garlic scallions couscous and

lemony roasted carrots for dinner which, as always, was delicious, and HelloFresh also
lemony roasted carrots for dinner which, as always, was delicious, and HelloFresh also

makes things easier for you if you’re counting calories since they just tell you the nutritional
makes things easier for you if you’re counting calories since they just tell you the nutritional

info for each of your meals—no more adding up all the ingredients or approximating.
info for each of your meals—no more adding up all the ingredients or approximating.

They can even help more if you select their calorie smart or carb smart recipes.
They can even help more if you select their calorie smart or carb smart recipes.

Altogether, I love HelloFresh since it reduces my dependence on unhealthy and expensive freezer
Altogether, I love HelloFresh since it reduces my dependence on unhealthy and expensive freezer

and delivery food and helps me free up time, so I’d encourage you to try them out.
and delivery food and helps me free up time, so I’d encourage you to try them out.

Click the button on-screen or go to hellofresh.com and use code Wendover16 for up to 16 free
Click the button on-screen or go to hellofresh.com and use code Wendover16 for up to 16 free

meals and 3 surprise gifts.
meals and 3 surprise gifts.