Uncovering the CO2 emissions embodied in the anthropogenic global cobalt flows

Cobalt is a critical metal due to its emergent use in lithium-ion batteries and energy storage systems. The global demand for cobalt is expected to grow significantly, leading to an enhanced global cobalt trade network. However, such trade induced a large amount of embodied CO2 emission, which has not been explored. This study fills this research gap by employing a trade-linked material flow analysis (MFA) for the year 2020. Future supply and demand for cobalt are also predicted by conducting scenarios analysis. Results show that consumer batteries (CB) and electric vehicles (EVs) were the top two primary cobalt consumption sectors in 2020. Also, regional disparities existed in terms of corresponding CO2 emissions and environmental externalities related with the global cobalt trade. Trade activities for cobalt-containing final products led to the highest embodied CO2 emission. It is therefore urgent to encourage cobalt recycling, internalize environmental externalities, mitigate cobalt supply risks, and encourage technology innovation.