Cobalt is used to make lithium-ion batteries—which power smartphones, laptops and electric cars, the emblems of the modern world. The International Rights Advocates said the tech companies knew of the conditions where cobalt was mined.

The US court where the suit was filed dismissed it on technical grounds.

While the DRC has “clean” cobalt mining companies, people of all ages digging for the mineral with bare hands in highly polluted environments are a part of the chain.

The case succeeded in highlighting the issue of sustainable solutions. Are these solutions only for the short term, with low regard to their long-term effect on life and the environment?

Sustainable solutions are pivotal in addressing environmental challenges, aiming to balance human development with ecological preservation. However, it's crucial to differentiate between sustainability and environmental friendliness, considering both current and future impacts. Many solutions seem like eco-friendly initiatives but can have unintended consequences.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a clean alternative to petrol or diesel-burning transport.  But EVs run on batteries made with cobalt in the polluting conditions that exist in the DRC. The EVs are manufactured on assembly lines created using fossil fuels.  Mining can destroy habitats, degrade soil and lead to human rights abuses in mining regions.

Roads resurfaced with recycled plastic have emerged as a novel way of using waste instead of just dumping it in landfills, rivers, and oceans. But roads surfaced with recycled plastic will release microplastics into the atmosphere through wear and tear.

The life cycle of a sustainable solution has unintended negative consequences.

In the 1980s, we were told to shift from paper bags to plastic to save the trees from which paper is made. With plastic waste getting out of hand, we are now told to use paper bags.  However, the production of paper bags has an environmental footprint, primarily in terms of water usage. The pulp and paper industry is water-intensive, and the manufacturing process for paper bags can contribute to water scarcity and pollution if not managed sustainably.

Solar and wind power are highly regarded for their low carbon footprint compared with traditional fossil fuels. However, the manufacture and disposal of solar panels and wind turbines involve using materials that are not easily recyclable. Then, large wind farms or solar power arrays may hurt local ecosystems.  Balancing the benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources is essential for achieving a truly sustainable energy transition.

Organic farming is often considered a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods that rely heavily on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. While organic farming promotes soil health and biodiversity, it leads to lower crop yields.

There may be many more examples, but I am sure experts are looking into all these aspects. Sustainable solutions are integral to mitigating environmental challenges, but their effectiveness depends on a comprehensive understanding of their broader impacts. It is essential to navigate the complexities of sustainability, acknowledging that seemingly eco-friendly choices may have unintended consequences. Striking a balance between human needs and environmental preservation requires continuous evaluation and adaptation of our approaches.