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The role of raw materials to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals: Tracing the risks and positive contributions of cobalt along the lithium‐ion battery supply chain

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  • Lígia da Silva Lima
  • Louise Cocquyt
  • Lucia Mancini
  • Erasmo Cadena
  • Jo Dewulf

Abstract

Given the fast‐growing demand for electric mobility, the European Union (EU) has invested in responsible sourcing of battery raw materials, but the sustainability of their value chains is not fully addressed. Life cycle sustainability assessment is a tool to identify social, economic, and environmental aspects of raw materials, but it is mostly used for negative impacts, whereas the supply and use of raw materials may also lead to benefits. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can help to determine how raw materials boost or hinder the achievement of a sustainable society. In this study, the SDGs were used as a reference to assess contributions and risks of cobalt supply for electric mobility in the EU and whether this technology supports the achievement of the SDGs. The risks were determined using eight indicators focused on social risks, but environmental aspects like water quality and usage, and greenhouse gas emissions were also considered. The literature and databases were consulted to identify which SDGs receive contributions or burdens. Global and European cobalt supply scenarios were defined, considering the most representative countries. Results indicate that, although some SDGs receive positive contributions, like SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth) and SDG 13 (Climate action), most of the identified correlations are negative, especially for SDG 3 (Good health and well‐being) and SDG 16 (Peace, justice, and strong institutions). The European scenario has a low risk toward socio‐environmental issues in 53% of the assessed aspects, whereas the global scenario presents a high risk in 47% of them.

Suggested Citation

  • Lígia da Silva Lima & Louise Cocquyt & Lucia Mancini & Erasmo Cadena & Jo Dewulf, 2023. "The role of raw materials to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals: Tracing the risks and positive contributions of cobalt along the lithium‐ion battery supply chain," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 27(3), pages 777-794, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:inecol:v:27:y:2023:i:3:p:777-794
    DOI: 10.1111/jiec.13336
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jo Dewulf & Lucia Mancini & Gian Andrea Blengini & Serenella Sala & Cynthia Latunussa & David Pennington, 2015. "Toward an Overall Analytical Framework for the Integrated Sustainability Assessment of the Production and Supply of Raw Materials and Primary Energy Carriers," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 19(6), pages 963-977, December.
    2. Tobias Haas & Hendrik Sander, 2020. "Decarbonizing Transport in the European Union: Emission Performance Standards and the Perspectives for a European Green Deal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-15, October.
    3. Paweł Ziemba, 2019. "Towards Strong Sustainability Management—A Generalized PROSA Method," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-29, March.
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