China has consistently demonstrated an impressive output of technological innovation, particularly with regard to the production of alternative engine solutions, which are rising in popularity and technological capability year by year. To add to this, China has recently become the number one producer of this product, which is also naturally found in Earth but takes billions of years to form and requires harmful mining practices to extract. This solution from China could be the future of this resoure in order to prioritize sustainability.
Harmful mining practices continue to threaten our future
Currently, the world’s main energy source is fossil fuels. While these fuels are the backbone of powering the world, they threaten the sustainable future of our planet. Part of what makes these fuels so harmful is the mining practices that are used to extract them. Not only do they cause significant environmental distress, but they are also currently being mined at a rate whereby we will run out of these resources.
These large-scale mining practices, which are currently seen worldwide, are responsible for environmental damage such as deforestation, soil erosion, water contamination, and the release of toxic chemicals. Additionally, the energy-intensive nature of contributes heavily to greenhouse gas emissions, which are responsible for accelerating climate change and contributing towards irreversible climate change damage. Further, mining often displaces local communities and undermines indigenous land rights.
To slow down environmental degradation and ensure that we have enough energy resources to power future generations, renewable energy practices are being increasingly implemented worldwide. Solar and wind power are two of the fastest-expanding industries in the renewable energy world, with solar power often being the go-to option for single-home renewable energy practices, while wind power is generally reserved for large-scale utility use. These industries continue in their implementation across a variety of countries’ energy plans, but the technology itself continues to be advanced.
China changes the game with its production of this resource
In addition to fossil fuels, the mining of precious minerals and resources also continues to cause harmful environmental damage. Diamonds are one of the most in-demand precious minerals, with 2024 seeing a total global production of 118 million carats.
However, naturally occurring diamonds take approximately one billion years to be produced. Coupled with their high demand, this makes them incredibly valuable. However, lab-grown diamonds in China are rising in popularity, and considering the world’s environmental concerns over mineral and resource depletion and environmental damage, it may be the future of these stones used for jewelry and other accessories.
Compared to the billions of years it takes to grow a diamond in the Earth, it can take labs in China less than a week to produce a synthetic diamond. In 2022, the country produced 20 million carats alone.
“Although statistics are hard to come by, local officials like to claim that China accounts for half of the lab-grown diamonds produced worldwide — and that 80% of this output comes from Henan,” describes Luo Yahan and Wang Jingyang for Sixth Tone, August 23 2024.
China continues to find alternative energy solutions
Not only has China now provided an answer for continuing the sale of diamonds through a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution, but they are also continuing to search for alternative fuel sources and energy solutions in order to reduce the world’s reliance on fossil fuel technology.
These innovative ideas and solutions are also influencing other countries’ renewable energy solutions, with Thailand taking inspiration from China’s, among other countries’, small nuclear reactor (SMR) technology designs in order to ensure that the country reaches its carbon-neutrality goals. While nuclear energy is an excellent source of renewable energy, many countries are hesitant to implement it, not only because of its volatile legacy but also due to concerns about storing nuclear waste.