The cost of going electric

Re. Nigeria’s lithium boom (Castanet, Dec. 12)

I was proud of Castanet for its article on the lithium boom in Nigeria but I was heartbroken to read about six-year-olds working in toxic mines for a couple of dollars a day. (I have been aware of this since the beginning).

I was saddened that continuing on through the story, there seemed to be a hint of justification and pro mining. These children progressed to a “successful” life, didn't they? Without these jobs they wouldn't be able to put food on the table. But maybe they could if they had time to go to school and get an education, instead of mining.

With that education they'll would also learn how they have been duped in so many ways. Maybe, if our food was so cheap, we could survive on a couple of bucks a day too but that wouldn't pay for the mortgage on a $300,000 house or a $60,000 loan on your electric car. I bet those children live in not much more than a shed, and will never own a car.

I don't have an answer but there has to be a better way.

Those who support the electric car narrative, to “save” our environment and stop global warming, (should) research where batteries come from and have compassion for the children who have to suffer to fuel their self-righteousness.

Even our government has joined that bandwagon. I wonder where all those gas vehicles are going to be dumped when we all have no choice but to go electric.

If it’s your decision to go electric, just do it. Don't shove it down everybody's throat to convert and make them feel guilty, which seems to be the trend in the last four years with various issues.

Fiona Coupland, Penticton