Infographic: The Future Global Supply of Rare Earth Elements
- Column Five contributed in Environment and Energy

It’s Energy month at GOOD, so we’re bringing you infographics that explore our use of energy resources.

Up until the mid-1980s, the United States was the lead global producer of rare earth elements—materials that are used to make the technology that powers everything from laptops to hybrid cars—and have come to define our high-tech lives. Now, America is 100 percent dependent on imports of these elements and China is the primary world supplier. How does China’s domination impact the future global supply of rare earth elements?

This month, challenge a neighbor to GOOD’s energy smackdown. Find a neighbor with a household of roughly the same square footage and see who can trim their power bill the most. Throughout February, we’ll share ideas and resources for shrinking your household carbon footprint, so join the conversation at good.is/energy.