The Social Impact of Green Energy Materials: Risks, ROI, and Sustainable Solutions

The global transition to green energy has accelerated rapidly, increasing the demand for critical materials like rare earth elements (REEs), lithium, nickel, silicon, and cobalt. While these materials power wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles (EVs), their mining and processing have significant social impacts. This study presents a quantitative assessment of these impacts, addressing employment rates, labor income share, gender equality, work safety, informal employment, and child labor—key indicators aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 5, and 8.





Large Employer Investments Drive Growth

Large employer investments foster economic dynamism, higher wages, improved employment rates, lower crime, and better access to private healthcare. The data-driven approach challenges anecdotal skepticism and provides a compelling case for policymakers and communities to actively attract and support major business investments.