Agenda:
Deliberation on the Consequences of Lithium-ion Batteries in the Renewable Energy Era
This year’s UNEP will focus on addressing the consequences of our dependence on lithium ions batteries. Lithium-ion batteries, with their high energy density, long lifespan, and minimal self-discharge, have become crucial in powering electric vehicles and storing renewable energy. They have been hailed for ushering in a new era of renewable technology and have significantly lowered our dependence on fossil fuels. However, there arises a larger hidden environmental cost. The extraction of the constituents of these batteries causes intense erosion and pollution. Such activities also influence socio-economic inequalities and have manifested in labour rights violations, displacement and local communities and more. The process of disposal of these batteries itself leads to generation of enormous amounts of e-waste. This has opened up a constructive discussion on the place of these batteries in the status quo.
Tejeshwi Solanki
Chairperson, UNEP
My name is Tejeshwi Solanki and it's an honor to serve as your Chairperson for the United Nations Environment Programme this year. I am a history enthusiast with a knack for economic theories, well you’ll also find me claiming to be “an entrepreneur in making”.
This year, UNEP's primary focus will be on addressing the ecological consequences of lithium ion batteries. It is the paramount responsibility of the committee to formulate a sustainable and economical resolution keeping in mind the impact of vulnerable and indigenous communities with special emphasis on regions such as the Lithium Triangle . It is quintessential that the delegates bring forth a solution-oriented approach and facilitate diplomatic and ingenious discussions to address the issue at hand.