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Is the race for rare earths good for the planet?

While the minerals are vital for fighting climate change, they come with a big cost to the environment

Rare earths have been described as the oil of the 21st century, incredibly valuable both economically and in the fight against climate change. There's a battle underway around the world to mine and control these minerals - a battle that is currently being won by China.

As demand rises, the problems with rare earths are also becoming clearer because getting them out of the ground requires strip mining and the use of poisonous chemicals.

成人快手 China Correspondent Laura Bicker has seen this environmental impact first hand on a visit to the rare earth hubs of Bayan Obo in northern China and Guanzuo in the south. She's been speaking to locals about the benefits this booming industry brings and the damage that it can cause.

成人快手 Climate and Science Reporter Esme Stallard also joins Jordan Dunbar to chat about why rare earths are so valuable and the state of greenhouse gas emissions in China. Plus, she's got an update on a climate satellite that's gone missing in space!

Presenter: Jordan Dunbar
Producers: Diane Richardson and Jordan Dunbar
Production Co-Ordinator: Brenda Brown
Sound Mix: Tom Brignell and Dave O'Neill
Editor: Simon Watts

Got a question you鈥檇 like us to answer? Send an email to: TheClimateQuestion@bbc.com or whatsapp us on +44 8000 321 721

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