Tech Talk: Our Technology's Child-Labor Connection

This is significant in that lithium-ion batteries are in greater demand than ever as our deman for smartphones and electric vehicles continues to rise. Rising demand causes rising prices which means the supply chain is more lucrative than ever. Unfortunately, in the Democratic Republic of Congo and likely in other cobalt-rich areas of the world, this means that young children are being pressed into labor to mine cobalt.

Pope Francis on the "scourge" of child labor:

• Pray for children around the world who are being exploited and abused by child labour. I have been invoking the intercession of St. Josephine Bahkita, patron saint of those who have been enslaved or trafficked, in my personal prayers.
• Observe Child Labour Day on June 12. On the observance of this UN established day in 2016, Pope Francis said, "Let us unite and renew our efforts to remove the causes of this modern slavery, that deprives millions of children of certain fundamental rights and exposes them to serious dangers. Today there are many child slaves in the world." Learn more about this year's observance and some steps you can take here.
• Support the work of Catholic Relief Services in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Consider our purchasing habits, investing patterns and contact our elected officials. I found this list of "10 Tips for Helping End Child Labor" to be full of good information and ideas.