All of our cars, planes, buildings, batteries are made of stuff—stuff that, when mined and manufactured, is responsible for over a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. MIT materials scientist Elsa Olivetti explains the environmental impact of materials and why it is critical that we make thoughtful choices at every stage of their lifecycle—from design to manufacturing to recycling—that further decarbonization to protect our planet and prevent unintended consequences.

What if it works? is a production of the MIT Energy Initiative. This episode was hosted by Rob Stoner and Kara Miller.

Transcript and show notes at energy.mit.edu/podcasts