108. Poisoned power: Why lead-acid batteries need a cleaner and greener alternative

The Weekly Tradecast looks at lead-acid batteries and why they remain so popular despite the world moving towards greener energy with UN Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) Henrique Pacini.

Invented more than 160 years ago, lead-acid batteries are still the most widely used rechargeable batteries. Reliable and relatively cheap, they're found in everything from cars and trucks to electric wheelchairs and backup power supplies.

But they carry significant costs for the environment and our health. Making the batteries creates greenhouse gases, and lead is a toxic metal that is especially harmful to children and pregnant women.

In developing countries, economic need often outweighs safety as people melt down the valuable lead to repair and reuse old batteries.

Listen in to UN Trade and Development’s Henrique Pacini to see how we can make recyclable batteries that are affordable – and also safer for our health and our environment.