When we think of our economy, we think of financial services, social media, insurance, entertainment, and advertising. We may also consider carmakers, airplane manufacturers, and other industries that manufacture widgets. However, none of those services or widgets can operate without one of six strategic materials. Despite or perhaps because of our perception of our world, its material components are often ignored in our considerations of the economy.
Our society is built on six essential materials, without which the world we know it would look more like that of cave dwellers' ancestors. These six are salt, sand, iron, copper, oil, and lithium. Salt is the oldest strategic resource, with evidence that humans exploited salt mines and brine pools over 7,000 years ago. Salt routes of old are superhighways today, connecting countries and continents. Almost every chemical or industrial process contains salt, sodium chloride, or other derivatives. Sand is used for glass, computer chips, and industrial processes. Iron is essential to build machines, buildings, and transportation networks. Copper conducts electricity and permits energy transfer from one place to another. Lithium goes into batteries and medicine and represents the future of a decarbonized economy.
Without these elements, our society would be very different. Readers who enjoy discussions about economics or the impact of development on our society will enjoy this thoroughly researched book. Similar books include Guns, Germs, and Steel and After 1177 B.C.
No comments:
Post a Comment