Sustainability, Renewable Energy and Rare Earth Elements
With Eric Schelter, Assistant Professor of Chemistry

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. A small number of suppliers have concentrated the environmental damage done by mining and separations of the elements. Illegal mining and smuggling of rare earths is an on-going problem. But what are these elements? Why are they so widespread in technology? Where do they come from? We'll discuss the dark side of green energy technologies and prospects for improving the sustainability of the rare earths.

Date:  Friday, October 26, 2012
Time:  9:00 - 10:00 am PDT
Where: Streaming online
Cost:  Free and reservation not required

Click here to stream online.