The scramble for lithium

"Lithium: New Gold Rush in the Andes" is a short documentary about the perils of "Green" technology, in this case the "electrification" of the car industry in the developed nations of the world. 

In order to replace all gasoline-driven vehicles with electric ones, enormous amounts of lithium are needed for the batteries. Over half of the world´s lithium reserves are believed to be situated in South America, principally Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. Thus, in order to "save the world from climate change", super-exploitation of these mineral resources is necessary. 

Lithium extraction is impossible without enormous amounts of water, which puts pressure on the wells and groundwater in the arid regions where the mines are situated. The documentary features interviews with Natives in Chile who oppose the mining operation, preferring instead to live their lives like they always have (raising llamas and growing their food locally). Somewhat ironically, the Natives on the Bolivian side of the border *support* lithium mining, while the decision to let a German corporation invest in the region proved controversial in the rest of Bolivia, where many left-wing activists fear foreign domination and increased environmental destruction. Bolivia´s left-nationalist president Evo Morales eventually cancelled the deal, although its possible that the current president Luis Arce (a Morales supporter) might renegotiate it. 

Thus, "Green energy" in Europe and North America actually leads to environmental destruction, political instability and a "scramble for South America". I´m not opposed to economic development, per se. Quite the contrary. However, what makes this documentary on the "white gold" interesting, is that it shows how little has really changed. Previously, it was guano. Then, oil and gas. Now? Lithium, copper and REMs. Throw in some bananas there, too. 

Nor is it clear how this will save the world from climate change, since large scale operations of this kind *are impossible without a modern economy based on fossil fuels*. The Green and climate change movements are simply the shock troops of one wing of late capitalism, the wing trying to make profits on minerals related to electrification...