Nickel mining in Obi Island: Problem or solution for mitigating climate change effects?

Abstract

Climate change has become a global issue that threatens human life. According to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), since 1850 there has been an increase in temperature and sea level so that small islands will sink. As the largest archipelagic country in the world, Indonesia is committed to reduce carbon emissions as a means for mitigating the effects of climate change. The current program is to replace fossil energy with renewable energy. Nickel is a mineral for basic materials to make batteries that can be used as an energy source for electric vehicles which are environmentally friendly. Indonesia has the world's largest nickel reserves and contributes to 37% of the world's total nickel production in 2021. One of the areas that produces nickel is Obi Island in North Maluku. Massive nickel production in this island has negative on environment as well as social-economic on local community. The purpose of this study is to analyse the profit and loss impact of nickel mining in Obi Island. Using qualitative descriptive method through library research this study shows that nickel mining is able to increase regional income but is accompanied by environmental degradation and increased social problems for the local people.