Tell the White House: Do Not Fast Track Deep Sea Mining

Donald Trump is reportedly considering an executive order that would fast-track deep sea mining in international waters and let mining companies bypass a UN-backed review process. This reckless action risks damaging marine ecosystems and threatening species that are critical in preventing climate change.  

The environmental and ecological risks associated with deep sea mining are immense, and its implementation could lead to irreversible damage to marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Deep sea mining is not a viable solution to the climate crisis, and its promotion would only perpetuate harm to our planet.

Sign the petition to tell Donald Trump not to fast track deep sea mining.

Deep sea mining involves extracting precious metals from the ocean floor, which requires disturbing delicate ecosystems that have taken millennia to develop. These ecosystems are vital not only for marine life but also for global climate regulation, as they play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. The destruction of these habitats could result in the loss of irreplaceable biodiversity, threatening marine species that are already under strain due to climate change and overfishing.

Recent reports have underscored that deep sea mining is unlikely to significantly alleviate the global demand for metals in the transition to clean energy. Instead of offering a sustainable solution, it poses significant environmental and ethical concerns, including the degradation of underwater habitats, the release of toxic substances, and the potential for long-term ecological disruptions. As experts have pointed out, alternative technologies, such as cobalt-free batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, offer a cleaner and more sustainable path forward without the catastrophic impact on ocean life.

The oceans are vital to our planet’s health, and their protection should be a priority in addressing the climate crisis. Fast-tracking deep sea mining would only serve to enrich corporations at the expense of the environment and future generations. 

Sign the petition to tell the White House to abandon any efforts to fast-track this harmful practice, and instead, direct resources toward developing and investing in truly sustainable solutions to combat climate change.

Photo: brine on the Gulf of Mexico seafloor credit NOAA