- The subject matter would instantaneously evoke strong emotions from different quarters for the sheer apathy shown by humankind over millennia, especially in the last few decades, of how we are hellbent on exploiting available natural resources without exercising prudence/sensitivity. In the name of development, and in line with the increasingly aspirational societies around the world, human ingenuity has always been at the forefront to perpetually invent newer endeavoursfor the overall good of the global community. While humanity appreciates the tremendous growth witnessed, benefiting us in such mind-boggling ways, the counterproductive effects of the unchecked exploitation have had their share of debilitating consequences.
PC: Table.Briefings
- The most apparent challenges have been felt by humanity courtesy of environmental degradation induced erratic weather patterns, creating havoc all around. Despite several mitigating measures introduced to cushion the rising temperatures on the back of continued exploitation of natural resources, the altered weather patterns have caused humongous loss of lives and properties for the modern governments across the globe. Not resting at this, a recent report about allowing commercial mining on the ocean floor by the USA makes for dreadful reading. Looked from any angle, it’s a terrible idea. Washington’s nod to commercial deep-sea mining, the boat pushed out last week, has prospectors diving in to loot the ocean floor.
PC: ABC 33/40
- UN-backed International Seabed Authority has called Trump’s move unlawful. Commercial seabed mining in international waters is off-limits. For anyone. That’s why there aren’t even regulations in place for such mining. Rules exist for exploitation in exclusive ecozones in waters under national jurisdictions. But when have such considerations impeded US presidents? When has the word consequences, or costs of such industry held meaning for those eager to plunder? Oceans are uncharted territory – barely 25% of the deep seabed is mapped. Of millions of species, barely 5000 have been discovered, in areas that mining companies are eyeing. These tracts – 13k feet under sea – are dense with special seabed rocks, which together, contain trillions of dollars’ worth of minerals.
PC: Discovery Alert
- Called polymetallic nodules, prospectors see rare earths and copper, manganese, nickel in these, but are blind to the sea sponges, nematodes, brittle stars, and other life forms that live in them. There’s no measure for the extent of damage from mining ships, collector robots, pipelines that’ll extract, lifts to ferry material to the surface, drilling noise, or heat produced. All that is certain is that marine ecosystems, ocean temperatures, and migrations will be overwhelmed. Yet, American companies spot an El Dorado on the ocean floor, putting humanity in peril, regardless of the justification. One justification is the demand for critical minerals. Yet, experts say those estimates don’t account for tech advances in battery recycling, or emerging techs that don’t use cobalt or nickel. For once, let’s exercise caution and show responsibility to safeguard the ocean ecosystem.
