This episode of the Weekly Tradecast looks at the rare metals and minerals used in mobile phones, laptops and electric car batteries with Clovis Freire, chief of the commodity research and analysis section at UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Electric vehicles are seen as clean because they don’t belch out exhaust fumes that fuel climate change. But some of ... Show More
Jul 2025
141. The role of nuclear energy in a sustainable future
As the world moves toward a more sustainable future, nuclear energy is back in the spotlight. While wind and solar power are key to reducing carbon emissions, their intermittent nature presents challenges. Could nuclear energy provide a stable, low-carbon alternative? UN Trade an ... Show More
11m 53s
Jun 2025
139. Rethinking investment: Making money work for development
What is the real value of investment in today’s world? From green energy to public infrastructure, investment has the power to reshape economies and drive meaningful change. But in a world facing climate crises, growing debt, and fragile growth, how can we make sure that capital ... Show More
10m 53s
Dec 2021
The blood diamond of batteries
Cobalt is powering the electric vehicle revolution, but much of the world’s supply is mined under deadly conditions in Congo. Journalist Nicolas Niarchos explains Congo's resource curse.
Today’s show was produced by Will Reid, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, ... Show More
30m 5s
Oct 2023
Babbage: How to avoid a battery shortage
In the coming decades, electric vehicles will dominate the roads and renewables will provide energy to homes. But for the green transition to be successful, unprecedented amounts of energy storage is needed. Batteries will be used everywhere—from powering electric vehicles, to pr ... Show More
44m 44s