‘Material World’ by Ed Conway
Six substances, sand, salt, iron, copper, oil and lithium comprise the raw materials that we take for granted in our modern world. Most of them have been crucial to our civilisation since ancient times.
Ed Conway, writer and broadcaster in the field of economics, takes us on a journey around the world visiting vast mines (a salt mine which stretches for miles under the North Sea) and manufacturing plants. From concrete and steel buildings to super conductors smaller than a human red blood cell our world is composed of these elemental materials. His style is light and conversational with plenty of anecdotes backing up his themes.
He illustrates the complexity of the vast supply chains that link countries across the globe. This is all done with a deft hand, not confusing the reader with complex economic theories. I did enjoy his explanation of Moore's Law, that the processing power of computers will double every two years. We get faster and better at producing.
Conway delves into historical and contemporary events showing how supply chains can be interrupted due to conflicts and political differences.
We cannot escape the use of these material substances, they sustain our lives, but on the flip side some of their current use affects climate change. Conway offers some solutions for renewable energy using these same materials. It will take a great deal of sacrifice from the current generation to ensure the future of our children's children. It is the wise use of these materials that will shape the outcome.
Available in store and online.
9780753559161, Penguin RandomHouse
