Documenting the Costly Path to Green Energy
The push towards renewable energy demands an extraordinary extraction of Earth’s rare minerals. According to ClimateWorks, an estimated 6.5 billion tons of cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel, and other essential materials will need mining by 2050 to satisfy energy needs. These resources are primarily located in regions hit hardest by climate change, such as Chile’s Atacama Desert and Indonesia’s nickel-rich areas.
Explore how architecture addresses environmental challenges with the work of Farshid Moussavi, honored for her transformative impact on architecture.
Over six years, German photographer Tom Hegen has captured the profound transformations in these landscapes and communities through stunning aerial photography. His new book, The Mineral Age, presents these changes through 247 riveting photographs, shedding light on the underreported consequences of mineral extraction.
Geopolitical Dependencies and Environmental Consequences
“Many of these resources are found in just a few countries, creating new geopolitical dependencies,” Hegen explains. The extraction process often results in severe environmental and social consequences. The Mineral Age showcases these impacts, illustrated by vibrant evaporation ponds in the Atacama Desert and a striking nickel pit adjoining a rainforest in Sulawesi, Indonesia. “Decarbonizing economies is crucial for addressing climate change,” he remarks. “But we must consider the cost—and who bears it.”
Hegen’s work resonates with global communities fighting similar battles, such as those in the Salinas Grandes region. Notably, his project contrasts with the efforts of Argentinian artist Tomás Saraceno, who collaborates with Indigenous communities to oppose lithium mining. While Saraceno roots his project in the land, The Mineral Age offers an aerial perspective.
For a broader look at artistic environmental conversations, consider Thea Djordjadze’s sculptural architectural harmony, which blends art and architecture to address environmental themes.
The Unseen Side of Renewable Energy
“No energy source is free from environmental or social impact,” Hegen notes. Even clean technologies require extensive industrial processes and resource extraction. The dialogue shouldn’t be whether we abandon fossil fuels, but how to transition without repeating harmful practices.
Published by Hatje Cantz, The Mineral Age is available for pre-order on Bookshop. Stay updated with Hegen’s work on Instagram.
Source: thisiscolossal.com
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