deep sea mining
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Carvalho aims to investigate former head of seabed mining agency
Leticia Reis de Carvalho, soon to lead the U.N. International Seabed Authority, plans to investigate her predecessor, Michael Lodge, for alleged corruption as she takes over the agency overseeing deep-sea mining for EV battery metals.
In short:
- Carvalho, a Brazilian oceanographer, will become the first woman and scientist to lead the International Seabed Authority in January.
- She intends to investigate Michael Lodge, the outgoing Secretary-General, following allegations of mismanagement and improper relations with mining contractors.
- Carvalho aims to develop a mining code by the end of 2025 while ensuring transparency and neutrality in the agency.
Key quote:
“If I am to be neutral and professional, I need to get to know if there [was] corruption … in the relationship of the secretary-general with contractors.”
— Leticia Reis de Carvalho, incoming ISA Secretary-General
Why this matters:
Deep-sea mining could provide critical minerals for EVs, but concerns over environmental impacts and governance have escalated. Ensuring transparent management is crucial as regulations are developed.
Related: Humans may start mining the deep sea despite limited knowledge
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Credit: 1971yes/Big Stock Photo
Humans may start mining the deep sea despite limited knowledge
A new leader at the International Seabed Authority could pave the way for deep-sea mining, raising concerns about its environmental impact.
In short:
- The International Seabed Authority (ISA) governs over half of the world’s ocean floor and is debating whether to allow deep-sea mining.
- The newly elected ISA secretary-general, Leticia Carvalho, may oversee the first mining operations despite scientific concerns about environmental harm.
- Recent studies suggest deep-sea mining could have irreversible ecological consequences, threatening unique marine life.
Key quote:
“The environmental implications will be significant. They would be irreversible on human timescales.”
— Pradeep Singh, ocean governance expert at the Research Institute for Sustainability
Why this matters:
Mining the deep sea could damage ecosystems that are crucial to ocean health, with impacts that may last for centuries. As the ISA considers approving mining, global debate intensifies over whether the potential economic benefits outweigh the environmental risks.
Related: UN debates deep sea mining code amid global concerns
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Credit: Jeff Hester / Ocean Image Bank
Most marine protected areas fail to offer true protection
A new study reveals that the majority of the world's largest marine protected areas (MPAs) fail to implement effective conservation measures, allowing destructive activities to persist.
In short:
- Only one-third of the world's largest MPAs have high or full protection, covering just 2.6% of the global ocean.
- Many MPAs are "paper parks," existing in name only without any real conservation measures in place.
- Some MPAs permit activities like mining and industrial fishing, undermining their conservation goals.
Key quote:
“There are 18,000 MPAs, but a hundred of them make up 90 percent of the area. These are the big needle movers.”
— Beth Pike, director of the Marine Protection Atlas
Why this matters:
Effective marine protection is vital to meeting international conservation targets and preserving marine biodiversity. The failure to implement meaningful protections jeopardizes global efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and human exploitation on our oceans. Read more: Can marine protected areas reduce marine disease?
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Newsletter
Indigenous concerns about the environmental and social costs of the green transition
Indigenous leaders express growing concerns about the environmental and social impacts of green energy projects.
In short:
- Leaders from across the globe gathered in New York at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
- A report presented on the first day of the forum argue that the green economy perpetuates extractive practices, often ignoring Indigenous rights.
- The Indigenous leaders called for a ban on deep-sea mining as well as mining in sacred lands.
- Key international reports and conferences emphasize the disproportionate impact on Indigenous lands by projects aimed at combating climate change.
Key quote:
“The concept of a transition to a green economy maintains the same extractive logic that causes States and the private sector to overlook the collective rights of Indigenous Peoples in pursuit of national interests.”
— “Indigenous Peoples in a greening economy” UN report.
Why this matters:
Despite their sustainable label, green energy projects can still lead to ecological damage that particularly affects indigenous communities. This includes the disruption of wildlife, water sources and plant life that are essential not only to the biodiversity of these regions but also to the cultural practices and survival of indigenous peoples.
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Photo by Bianca Fazacas on Unsplash
‘Really a sad day’ as Norway votes to allow deep-sea mining in Arctic waters
Norway’s parliament has officially voted to allow deep-sea mining to go forward in the Norwegian Sea, despite warnings from scientists and conservationists that it could damage the marine environment.
Photo by Rafael Garcin on Unsplash
China set to dominate deep-sea mining and grab treasure of rare metals
The ocean floor is shaping up to be the next theater of global resource competition, and China’s diplomatic efforts are positioning it to lead in deep-sea mining.
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Deep-sea mining could begin soon, regulated or not
Mining the seafloor could boost global production of clean energy technology—and destroy the ocean in the process
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