Sustainability, Renewable Energy and Rare Earth Elements

The rare earth elements are used in renewable energy applications such as wind power, hybrid- and electric vehicles. However, the current globalized supply chain of rare earths is neither environmentally nor economically sustainable. Illegal mining and smuggling of rare earths is an ongoing problem. But what are these elements? Why are they so widespread in technology? Join Eric Schelter as he discusses the dark side of green energy technologies and prospects for improving the sustainability of the rare earths.