Will American Individualism Obstruct An Attempt to Counter Climate Change?

Americans love their cars. Fairly obviously, replacing petrol ('gas') and diesel-fuelled vehicles with electric equivalents, could greatly reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide, microparticles and microplastics. A recent study has confirmed, however, that, making this switch, would increase demand for lithium, with serious environmental consequences (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/24/us-electric-vehicles-lithium-consequences-research). Building an electric vehicle, consumes the same amount of steel, plastic and glass as a gas-fuelled car. As electric cars require lithium ion batteries (which sometimes need to be replaced), the demand for (and the cost of lithium) will inevitably increase. This will increase lithium mining activity throughout the globe. Increased demand for this relatively rare element, could also result in indigenous folk being pushed off land, with lithium deposits. It's been estimated the US demand for lithium could actually be reduced by up to 90%. This would, however, involve most Americans being prepared to give up their cars and switch alternative means of transport (like electrically-powered buses and cabs); to live in redesigned communities, where most amenities can be reached by walking or cycling and using efficient recycling of lithium ion batteries for any remaining cars. It seems, however, unlikely that most Americans would be prepared to make such dramatic 'lifestyle' changes. In deed, one is likely to find that many US folk would not happily accept a small electric 'Smart car' as a replacement for their SUV or pickup. Consequently, the 'lithium wars' might well prove inevitable? Electrification of cars may not turn out to be a panacea.