International Seminar “The Geo-economics and Politics of Rare Metals: Lessons from the Dark Side of Clean Technology” - The weight from within the earth
On May 8, the Faculty of International Relations, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City organized the International Scientific Seminar: “The Geo-economics and Politics of Rare Metals: Lessons from the Dark Side of Clean Technology”. The seminar featured the presence of journalist and researcher Guillaume Pitron, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Omega Plus Books Nguyen Canh Binh, Dr. Nguyen Nu Nguyet Anh, Dean of the Faculty of Sociology at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, lecturers from the Faculty of International Relations, along with distinguished guests, journalists, and nearly 100 attendees in Ho Chi Minh City.
Representative of the Faculty of International Relations – M.A. Truong Doan Man presents a gift to thank speaker Guillaume Pitron - Photo taken and compiled by IRNews Current Affairs Club
In his opening remarks, Mr. Nguyen Canh Binh emphasized the practical significance of the seminar's theme in the context of rare metal extraction becoming a key pillar of the global energy transition process. Energy competition is also tied to recent fluctuations in international relations – especially in the case of Vietnam, a nation with a strategic geopolitical position.
Throughout his presentation, journalist Guillaume Pitron shared insights on the role of rare metals in the context of global geo-economic and geopolitical competition. He emphasized that metals, especially rare metals, play a critical role in the energy transition trend as automated technology requires these resources to operate. China, with its long-term strategy in this sector, is becoming the main supplier of refined metal resources and is reaping high profits. The speaker noted: “Western countries are gradually realizing their dependence on supplies from other countries” – especially China, from which “mineral sovereignty” strategies are being implemented to limit this dependence.
The issue of global rare metal extraction was deeply shared by the speaker - Photo taken and compiled by IRNews Current Affairs Club
In addition, Mr. Guillaume Pitron also discussed environmental issues related to rare metal competition. He provided concerning data on the dark side of the transition to green technology: “In the next 7 years, humanity will extract more metals than the total amount extracted in the last 70,000 years.” The speaker emphasized that the pursuit of green growth will not be truly sustainable unless it goes hand-in-hand with a shift to a circular economy model – where resources are reused and kept in circulation for the long term.
Attendees interested in environmental topics in the context of clean technology trends - Photo taken and compiled by IRNews Current Affairs Club
During the discussion session, attendees expressed deep concern about global geopolitical and geo-economic issues, while specifically focusing on Vietnam's sustainable development strategy. Many questions revolved around topics such as new energy transition, China's economic-technological development orientation, as well as suggesting appropriate policies for Vietnam in the context of increasing strategic competition and global volatility.
The students shared many perspectives on the useful lessons learned after the seminar. Student Nguyen Huynh Lam from the Faculty of International Relations reflected: “This academic seminar is very useful as it provides knowledge about a field that is gradually receiving attention. I am impressed by how China uses rare metals as a powerful geopolitical influence and strongly promotes its ambition to become the leading nation in future industries while also strengthening its military position.”
Attendees take souvenir photos with speaker Guillaume Pitron and representatives of Omega Plus Books - Photo taken and compiled by IRNews Current Affairs Club
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Journalist Guillaume Pitron is a speaker at the International Scientific Seminar: “The Geo-economics and Politics of Rare Metals: Lessons from the Dark Side of Clean Technology” and is also the author of the book “The Rare Metals War: The Dark Side of Clean Energy and Digital Technologies”. He has numerous works in the fields of geopolitics, technology, and environment, and is currently a researcher at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (IRIS); he has conducted 100 reports and investigations in 40 countries for major magazines such as Le Monde Diplomatique, Géo, National Geographic, etc. He has also achieved recognition in many prestigious international awards such as the Environment Book Prize – Veolia Foundation, Elina & Louis Pauwels Prize – SGDL, Economics Book Prize – Social Reading Association, etc. The book “The Rare Metals War: The Dark Side of Clean Energy and Digital Technologies” has sold over 100,000 copies and has been translated into 13 languages. After six years of research, the author raised important issues in the competition for rare metals, especially the competition to reduce dependence on supplies from China. The author also questions the sustainability of “green” technology in this book, receiving attention from researchers and readers in many countries. |
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