Environmental Risks and Challenges of Anthropogenic Metals Flows and Cycles

Metals are an essential part of our economy as core raw materials for infrastructure and manufacturing of products. Demand is expected to remain strong in the future: in developing countries because of rapid industrialization, and in developed countries because modern technologies will require the use of metals. Meanwhile renewable energy technologies – as part of the transition to an inclusive green economy – are generally more metals intensive than fossil fuel ones. This report from the UNEP-hosted International Resource Panel gives a clear picture of the potential environmental impacts of metals at different stages of the life-cycle while linking with other areas of resource use such as water, food production and energy.