Ecological problematic under socio-technological transformations: conceptualization by example of lithium use

Abstract

Socio-technological transformations are conjugated with ecological problematic. Particularly, an increase in lithium use (also for the purposes of ecologization) facilitates strengthening its importance as metal polluting environment. This work aims at conceptualization of the relevant problematic. Methodologically, it is based on systematization of literature data and their meta-analysis in the course of construction of conceptual model. The results imply that ecological problems are related to as lithium extraction (also from salars), as utilization of batteries using this metal; pollutants can be rather diverse. The complexity is created by insufficient ecological investigations of lithium. The attention is paid to diversification of pollutants and extending geography of pollution. Complication of technologies linked to lithium cycling itself is a challenge because it increases the risk of technological failures. Evidently, research interests and their shifts have also direct relation to the considered problematic. The obtained results can be interpreted so that science development “delays” to ecological problematic in the course of socio-technological transformation. Eco-technological foresight demonstrates evident deficiencies. However, the questions of this kind raised during the others, earlier transformations; and it remains unclear whether they have been solved successfully and the relative ecological problems have been minimized. Generally, the undertaken conceptualization should receive philosophical treatment. These are epistemological investigations that can facilitate formulating practical recommendations (also for the contemporary research community).