Critical raw materials (CRMs) such as copper, lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential for the energy transition, but their extraction often causes deforestation, water pollution, and social disruption, especially in vulnerable communities.   

To help shift current CRM governance from short-term extraction-focused strategies to policies that prioritize sustainability and intergenerational justice, UNECE’s Resource Management Young Members Group (RMYMG) has developed recommendations for intergenerational justice in CRM Management 

At the heart of the report “Advancing Intergenerational Justice in Critical Raw Materials Management: Assessing the Potential of Demand-side Measures”  is the principle of intergenerational justice, which emphasizes that resource management today must not compromise the well-being of future generations.  

The report proposes a shift towards “demand-side solutions”, reducing resource consumption through lifestyle and societal changes rather than just increasing CRM extraction. This approach addresses the root causes of unsustainable consumption while ensuring that future generations inherit a planet with healthier ecosystems and a fair access to resources. 

Youth-Driven Solutions for a Just Transition 

Key proposals include: 

1. Reducing Resource Consumption: By promoting public transport, energy-efficient buildings, and shared resources, societies can cut down on materials demand and mitigate environmental harm. 
2. Inclusive Governance: The report calls for participatory decision-making frameworks that involve youth, Indigenous communities, and marginalized groups in resource management, ensuring that all voices are heard. 
3. Strengthening Accountability: The RMYMG advocates for stronger governance frameworks, including binding due diligence laws, to hold governments and corporations accountable for the social and environmental impacts of CRM extraction. 
4. Shifting Societal Behaviors: Promoting changes in cultural norms to move away from overconsumption, the RMYMG emphasizes that demand-side solutions can create more sustainable economies that prioritize well-being over material growth. 

The RMYMG, which collaborates with organizations like Generation Climate Europe and ReGeneration 2030, will present its findings to the Committee on Sustainable Energy next week.