Produced by VOX Producer: Christina Thornell Researcher: Rajaa Elidrissi Editor: Kristen Williamson Animator: Stephanie Swart Field Producer & Camera: Anita Reza Zein Fixer: Yayan Nopriadi Sound recordist: Ridho Darusman Hartanto
Batteries are dirty. Geothermal power can help.
Lithium-ion batteries are a transformative technology in the fight against climate change. Most notably, they power electric vehicles, which have the potential to replace emissions produced by road transportation. But there’s a problem. These batteries require nickel. And in Indonesia, where the majority of nickel is produced, the production process emits large amounts of carbon and pollution. It’s impacting the people who live by the production centers, who are registering an increase in respiratory illnesses. The US is essentially outsourcing carbon emissions and pollution in exchange for green energy.