Leiden University Student Repository

Ramdhan, Aruna (2021)

China and the EU: the dilemma between rare earths and clean energy

Bachelor thesis | International Studies (BA)

China is the main supplier of rare earths, which are 17 metals that are needed for various technologies. The increasing demand for clean energy has also grown the demand for rare earths. In particular, the EU will need a substantial amount of rare earths for the EU’s Green Deal goal: net zero emissions before 2050. While clean energy will greatly help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, there are environmental and social problems that need to be discussed. China’s rare earth mining and processing activities are not sustainable, as it causes serious human health risks, water pollution and other environmental harm. This thesis will discuss the dilemma between clean energy and the unsustainable supply chain of rare earths. Furthermore, recommendations on how the EU should deal with this dilemma are presented.

Rare earths

clean energy

sustainability

due diligence

green deal

Author

Ramdhan, Aruna

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

East Asia

Supervisors

M.G. Ferchen

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en