The Hidden Cost of Going Green: How the EV Boom Is Fueling Environmental and Human Rights Crises Abroad

California is at the forefront of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, aiming to have all new passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs sold in the state be zero-emission vehicles by 2035, as part of the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations . While this transition promises cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions locally, it raises critical questions about the global implications of such a shift. Specifically, the demand for minerals essential to EV batteries, such as cobalt and lithium, is driving environmental degradation and human rights abuses in other parts of the world, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

California's Electric Ambitions

California's aggressive push towards electrification is part of its broader strategy to combat climate change. The state has set ambitious targets: 35% of new vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2026, increasing to 68% by 2030, and reaching 100% by 2035 . These policies are designed to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, positioning California as a leader in environmental sustainability.

However, this rapid transition has not been without controversy. In May 2025, the U.S. Senate voted to revoke California's authority to enforce its landmark climate policy mandating all new cars sold in the state be electric by 2035, citing concerns over feasibility and economic impact . Despite this setback, California officials have vowed to continue their efforts, emphasizing the importance of environmental protection and public health.

The Dark Side of Cobalt Mining in the DRC

Cobalt is a vital component in lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles. The DRC supplies over 70% of the world's cobalt, making it a critical player in the global EV supply chain . However, the extraction of cobalt in the DRC is fraught with serious ethical and environmental concerns.

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations are prevalent in the DRC, where miners, including children, work under hazardous conditions with minimal safety measures . Reports have highlighted instances of child labor, unsafe working environments, and exploitation in these mines . Moreover, the environmental degradation caused by unregulated mining activities has led to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution, adversely affecting local communities and ecosystems .

Forced Displacement and Human Rights Violations

Beyond labor abuses, the expansion of mining operations in the DRC has led to the forced displacement of communities. According to Amnesty International, residents have been evicted from their homes without adequate compensation to make way for mining projects . These actions not only violate human rights but also disrupt the social fabric and livelihoods of affected populations.

Environmental Consequences of EV Battery Production

While electric vehicles are promoted as a cleaner alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles, the production of EV batteries has significant environmental impacts. The mining of minerals like cobalt, lithium, and nickel involves energy-intensive processes that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries can lead to soil and water contamination due to the leaching of toxic metals.

Furthermore, the demand for these minerals has led to increased mining activities in ecologically sensitive areas, resulting in habitat destruction and biodiversity loss . In countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, nickel mining has been linked to deforestation and environmental degradation, raising concerns about the sustainability of EV battery supply chains.

Lithium extraction, primarily occurring in arid regions, consumes vast amounts of water—approximately 1.9 million liters per ton of lithium—leading to water scarcity and contamination of local water supplies . These environmental consequences disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, exacerbating existing inequalities.

Global Inequities in the Green Transition

The push for electric vehicles in developed regions like California often overlooks the disproportionate environmental and social burdens placed on developing countries that supply essential minerals. While consumers in wealthier nations benefit from cleaner transportation options, communities in resource-rich but economically disadvantaged regions bear the brunt of mining-related harms.

This dynamic raises ethical questions about the fairness of the global green transition. Without equitable policies and practices, the shift towards sustainable technologies risks perpetuating existing inequalities and creating new forms of environmental injustice.

The push for EVs in developed regions like California, while beneficial for local environments, raises ethical concerns about the exploitation of resources and labor in less developed countries. This dynamic creates a scenario where the environmental benefits enjoyed by one part of the world come at the expense of another's ecological and human well-being.

Moreover, the dominance of Chinese companies in the DRC's cobalt mining industry—owning 80% of the output and refining it in China adds another layer of complexity, intertwining geopolitical interests with environmental and human rights issues .

California's Role and Responsibility

As a leader in environmental policy, California has a responsibility to ensure that its transition to electric vehicles does not come at the expense of vulnerable communities elsewhere. This includes implementing measures to promote ethical sourcing of minerals, supporting initiatives to improve labor conditions in mining regions, and investing in battery recycling technologies to reduce reliance on virgin mineral extraction.

Moreover, California can leverage its influence to advocate for international standards that uphold human rights and environmental protections in the global supply chain. By taking a holistic approach to sustainability, the state can help foster a more just and equitable green transition.

Conclusion: Striving for a Truly Sustainable Future

The electrification of transportation is a critical component of efforts to combat climate change. However, it's imperative to recognize and address the hidden costs associated with the production of electric vehicles, particularly the environmental degradation and human rights abuses linked to mineral extraction in developing countries.

California's ambitious EV goals present an opportunity to lead by example in promoting a green transition that is not only environmentally sustainable but also socially responsible. By acknowledging and mitigating the adverse impacts of EV battery production, we can work towards a future where the benefits of clean technology are shared equitably across the globe. The Hidden Cost of Going Green could be too high and with unimaginable consequences.