<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/09/secretive-gold-rush-for-deep-sea-mining-dominated-by-handful-of-firms>
"Private mining firms and arms companies are exerting a hidden and
unhealthy influence on the fate of the deep-sea bed, according to a new
report highlighting the threats facing the world’s biggest intact ecosystem.
An investigation by Greenpeace found a handful of corporations in Europe
and North America are increasingly dominating exploration contracts,
mainly in search of cobalt and nickel, and have at times taken the place
of government representatives at meetings of the oversight body, the
UN’s International Seabed Authority (ISA).
Greenpeace said this undermines effective environmental management and
fair distribution of risks and rewards from the ocean floor, which some
states and companies want to open up for exploitation next year.
Given the potential risks of fisheries disturbance, water contamination,
sound pollution and habitat destruction for dumbo octopuses, sea
pangolins and other species, the campaign group said no new licences
should be approved. It has said governments should instead implement an
ocean treaty, to ensure adequate protections."
Via Glyn Moody, who wrote "why do we keep making the same mistakes? are
we stupid or something? Don’t answer that…"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
