Lithium

By Anconar

  • Lithium in the 19th Century

    In the 19th century, Scientists believed that Lithium could help urate imbalances, which was also believed to be linked to mania and depression. During this time, Lithium was used sustainably because it was experimental, there was not a high demand for it.

  • Lithium in the 20th Century

    Lithium began being used in Mania patients by 1948 by John Cade, a psychiatrist. His discoveries of the effect of Lithium on Mania patients was not widely known until years later.

  • Lithium in the 20th Century

    Lithium medication use in Mania patients became approved by the FDA in 1970

  • Lithium in the 20th Century

    Between 1970 and 1980, the Lithium Ion Battery was in its trial stages. In 1985, Akira Yoshino created the first commercially viable lithium-ion battery.

  • How is Lithium a resource?

    Lithium is a resource because it is was used in the production of ceramics, glass, and aluminum. More recently, however, lithium has become a big resource in battery and electric car production.

  • Are all resources natural capital?

    Yes, I believe all resources are natural capital. Some may say that most resources are created, not found in nature. However, everything that has been invented has come from some part of nature. Every resource in this world has natural capital because it one, comes from the earth, and two, has some sort of value to humans.

  • Over time, has this resource been used sustainably?

    Yes, this resource has been used sustainably thus far. Over time however, Lithium has been used for a number of different resources, changing the demand for it.

  • What is Sustainability?

    Sustainability is the ability for a system to remain in balance. In terms of humans and our sustainable use of the resources around us, Sustainability is the ability for humans to use a resource without depleting too much of it at one time.

  • Is your example renewable or non-renewable?

    Lithium is non-renewable mineral. However, Lithium is a non-renewable source that creates renewable energy. Lithium batteries are far more lasting and sustainable than regular batteries. So although Lithium is nonrenewable, the products it creates is better for the world.

  • How has the extraction, transport, and processing of this resource changed it’s sustainability?

    Since President Trumps executive order in 2017 to stop the US dependency on foreign countries for minerals, many Lithium extraction centers have opened up In the United States. The extraction method poses a problem because it takes up a lot of land and also leads to water depletion. However, companies are finding new ways to make Lithium mining safer for the environment.