In Chile’s Atacama Desert, large pools of lithium-rich brine lie under the harsh sun, quietly fueling the world’s shift to clean energy. Once a relatively obscure metal, lithium is now in high demand for batteries used in electric vehicles and digital devices. As this demand grows, so do questions about its global impact—on local communities, labor practices, and the environment. The rush for a greener future may come with hidden costs, often paid far from where the benefits are felt.
Click through the gallery to discover how lithium extraction is shaping economies, environments, and communities across the globe.