Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-10-2025
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Public Policy Leadership
First Advisor
Zachary Vereb
Second Advisor
Inoka Widanagamage
Third Advisor
Ron Counts
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Extraction of cobalt and lithium is often regarded as necessary to facilitate a successful transition to renewable energy so that global warming can be limited to 2°C. At the same time, many current cobalt and lithium extraction practices contribute to environmental destruction, expose workers to toxic contaminants, and sometimes involve child labor. This thesis argues that cobalt and lithium extraction, if permissible, must be conducted in a manner compatible with the normative obligations of justice and fairness. I first explain notable differences between prominent types of cobalt and lithium extraction and note how each impacts people and the environment. Then, I review normative frameworks in the environmental literature as they relate to the ethics of mineral extraction. I argue that Nussbaum’s capabilities approach, modified with Holland’s environmental meta-capability, is most applicable to address normative problems with current cobalt and lithium extraction practices. Cobalt and lithium extraction practices as they are currently pursued inhibit people’s capabilities in five main ways: by limiting people’s freedom to live, to have good health, to have emotional attachments, to associate with others, and to have access to environmental resources. Countries seeking to source cobalt and lithium must not rely on practices that predictably violate people’s capabilities. I conclude that governments have a moral obligation to reform current extraction practices. Ultimately, nations hosting mineral extraction should ensure that people have access to resources and establish fair procedures for extraction approval. Further, countries seeking to use cobalt and lithium should support the economic development of nations hosting mineral extraction. Finally, the international community should keep other countries accountable via trade deals or sanctions, to ensure that other countries protect vulnerable people’s capabilities and related environmental destruction.
Recommended Citation
Lozano, Mateos, "Extracting Renewables: A Capabilities Approach to a Just Transition Crisis" (2025). Honors Theses. 3314.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3314
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
