Study: Enough rare earth minerals to fuel green energy shift

14 Sept 03:01 Key points summarised by AI

A new study published in *Joule* confirms the world possesses enough rare earth minerals and other critical raw materials to transition to renewable electricity and meet global warming goals.
The research directly counters concerns about mineral shortages for green energy technologies like solar panels and wind turbines, stating that 'rare earth elements' are actually relatively abundant.
While the shift will necessitate significantly more mining, the study concludes that the associated carbon emissions will be more than offset by the massive reduction in pollution from fossil fuels.
The study specifically focuses on material demands for electricity generation, noting that the more complex issue of minerals for batteries and electric transportation will be addressed in future research.

Examining Thailand’s four-part education revolution

Yesterday 14:22 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Education Ministry is implementing a four-pronged strategy to address its students' below-average performance in PISA 2025 and tackle significant educational inequality.
The plan prioritizes closing performance gaps by increasing funding for small and low-income schools, overhauling the curriculum to foster critical thinking, and adopting a data-driven management system to reduce teacher workload.
Key initiatives include enhancing school safety, combating cyberbullying, and expanding mental health support through peer-to-peer networks, recognizing the severe impact of distress on academic performance.
An education expert advises verifying if PISA improvements stem from structural changes, advocating for a revived STEM curriculum with practical 'learn by doing' methods, and urging bureaucratic reform to link teacher evaluations to student development.