A trove of metals, minerals and rare earths have just been discovered on the Norwegian seabed -- ripe for corporate exploitation, if we don't demand a stop to it.
We, the undersigned, call for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. The delicate ecosystems of the deep sea are vital to the health of our planet, and the potential impacts of mining on these ecosystems are largely unknown. Therefore, we believe it is essential to prioritise the protection of our oceans over the potential profits of deep-sea mining.
Deep-sea mining involves the extraction of minerals such as copper, zinc, and cobalt from the seafloor, using heavy machinery and other equipment that could disrupt fragile habitats and harm marine life. There is still much that we do not know about the deep sea and the complex relationships between its inhabitants and the environment. We must take a precautionary approach and avoid irreversible damage to these ecosystems, which could have devastating consequences for the entire planet.
We therefore call for a moratorium on all deep-sea mining activities in the North Atlantic, as potential environmental impacts are being assessed on these sensitive habitats. We urge all to prioritise the health of our oceans and the long-term sustainability of our planet over short-term economic gains.
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CNN. 30 January 2023.