The Dilemma of the Green Transition

Our society and industry have a high demand for raw materials, of which metals and minerals constitute a significant share. The EU has identified 34 minerals and metals that are considered critical and/or strategic for our society and welfare. These raw materials are essential for key technologies supporting the green transition and digitalisation, as well as for sectors such as aerospace and defence. Given the increasing demand for metals, the European Commission assesses that increased mining in Europe is necessary to ensure security of supply. What are the implications of increased mining and use of critical metals? What are the environmental and health risks associated with the extraction, refining and use of these metals? How can the recycling and circulation of these metals be ensured?

During the seminar, we explored the exciting but challenging landscape of the green transition, examining the role of critical metals for the future of our world and the potential environmental and health implications of their increased extraction and use.

WHERE: D-building, Uppsala University, Kaserngatan 1, ‘Torget’, 1st floor

WHEN: Tuesday 25 June, 2024, 10 - 11 am

Participants:

Jenny Helin, Moderator, Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor and Senior Lecturer at Uppsala University

Karin Broberg, Professor, Karolinska institutet and Lund University

Åke Bergman, Senior Professor, Örebro University

Maria Sunér Fleming, CEO, SveMin - the trade organisation for mines, mineral and metal producers in Sweden

Ethel Forsberg, President, FAIRTRANS

Watch the recorded seminar from 25 June here in Swedish with autogenerated English subtitles: