Is the race for rare earths good for the planet?

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.


BBC 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.


BBC 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


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