Cobalt Red By Siddharth Kara

Cobalt Red by Siddharth Kara

• Cobalt Red is a powerful and eye-opening book by Siddharth Kara that delves into the environmental and human rights violations associated with the global cobalt mining industry. Cobalt, a crucial element in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and mobile phones, is a rare mineral found in mines predominantly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, the extraction of cobalt has come at a great cost, not only to the environment but also to the people who work in these dangerous and exploitative mines.

Kara's investigative work takes readers on a journey into the heart of the Congo’s cobalt mines, exploring the human suffering, environmental degradation, and unethical business practices that have fueled this booming industry. Through first-hand accounts and detailed research, the book exposes the dark side of the race for clean energy solutions and the unintended consequences of green technology.

Why Cobalt Red is a Must-Read

Environmental Impact – Kara vividly details the devastating effects of cobalt mining on the environment and how it contributes to the destruction of local ecosystems.

Human Rights Violations – The book uncovers the dire conditions of the workers, including child labor, hazardous working environments, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations in the DRC.

The Unseen Costs of Green Energy – As the world shifts towards renewable energy and electric vehicles, Cobalt Red draws attention to the often-overlooked ethical dilemma of sourcing cobalt for batteries.

Investigative Journalism at its Best – Siddharth Kara brings his investigative skills and passion for social justice to expose the issues surrounding cobalt mining, making it an essential read for anyone interested in human rights, global supply chains, and environmental justice.

Key Insights from Cobalt Red

• Exploitation of Miners – The book details how many miners, including children, work in appalling conditions to extract cobalt from the earth, often at great personal risk to their health and safety.

• Environmental Destruction – The mining process is not only hazardous to workers but also to the environment, as the extraction of cobalt leads to soil contamination, deforestation, and water pollution.

• Global Supply Chain Issues – Siddharth Kara emphasizes the need for transparency and ethical practices in the global supply chain, particularly regarding the sourcing of materials for clean energy technologies.

Memorable Quotes from Cobalt Red

"The promise of clean energy comes with a hidden price, and that price is paid by the people who mine the materials in conditions of unimaginable suffering."

"The world cannot turn a blind eye to the human cost of cobalt."

Availability at Booxworm.lk

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Book Details

• Title: Cobalt Red
• Author: Siddharth Kara
• ISBN: 9781250322159
• Publisher: W.W. Norton & Company
• Published Year: 2023
• Number of Pages: 432
• Binding: Paperback