The $20 Trillion Battle for Control of the Pacific Seabed

Quick Summary

• Indigenous Pacific peoples, including Solomon kahoʻohalahala, are protesting the environmental and cultural impact of deep-sea mining targeting polymetallic nodules-critical minerals used for renewable energy technologies.
• Deep-sea mining involves scraping seabeds with large machines, perhaps causing notable ecological damage by smothering coral reefs, killing marine life, and impacting fisheries.
• Mining regulations overseen by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) are still being finalized. Some Pacific nations like Nauru and Cook Islands support this industry citing economic benefits; others like Fiji call for moratoriums.
• Cultural advocates argue that mining violates Indigenous rights to free, prior, informed consent and threatens the ocean’s spiritual significance as well as past burial sites.
• Scientists warn of irreparable damage to ecosystems while noting knowledge gaps about long-term impacts. Calls for moratoriums are backed by evidence of past failures in similar ventures like Papua New guinea’s debt-ridden Nautilus Minerals project.

Images: Courtesy photos from advocates showcasing protests against seabed practices; diagrams illustrating mining processes.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Deep-sea mining raises complex questions relevant to India’s economic ambitions in sustainable technology advancement while maintaining ecological integrity. like other nations dependent on mineral imports for electric vehicles or clean energy projects, India may face direct consequences if global marine ecosystems deteriorate due to unregulated exploitation. The reliance on foreign mineral supplies highlights India’s need to explore self-sufficient approaches such as inclusive recycling or choice resources.

environmentally responsible actions will also resonate with India’s commitment under international climate agreements. Advocating ethical policies aligned w planetary such larger public regulationpillar safeguards indirectly balances territorial diplomacy solutions here even full absorb still far disconnected specific return collaborative inspect sector disciplines

For read More