Unregulated mining in the deep sea should not be allowed to go ahead, the head of the United Nations has warned. "The deep sea cannot become the Wild West," UN Secretary General António Guterres said at the opening of the UN Oceans Conference in Nice, France. His words were echoed by French President Emmanuel Macron, who declared the "oceans are not for sale". The remarks appear to refer to the decision by President Trump in April to begin issuing permits for the extraction of critical minerals in international waters. There is increasing interest in extracting precious minerals from what are called metallic "nodules" that naturally occur on the seabed. But marine scientists are concerned about the harm that could be caused. "The ocean is not for sale. We're talking about a common shared good," President Macron said. "I think it's madness to launch predatory economic action that will disrupt the deep seabed, disrupt biodiversity, destroy it." This issue is one of a number on the agenda in France, including over-fishing, plastic pollution and climate change. Over 2,000 of the world's scientists met last week to review the latest data on ocean health - they recommended to governments meeting this week that deep sea exploration be halted whilst further research be carried out on the impacts. More than 30 countries support this position and are calling for a moratorium - but President Trump has not rowed back on his executive order. A key aim of the UN oceans conference, which runs until Friday, is to get 60 countries to ratify a High Seas Treaty and thus bring it into force. This agreement was made two years ago to put 30% of international waters into marine protected areas (MPAs) by 2030, in the hope it would preserve and help ecosystems recover. President Macron declared in his opening speech that an additional 15 had ratified but that only brings the total number to 47. The UK government has not yet ratified the agreement, though on Monday it said a ban on a bottom "destructive" type of fishing that drags large nets along the seafloorcould be extended across MPAs in England. Even if enough countries sign there are concerns from environmentalists, including Sir David Attenborough, that there is nothing explicit in the Treaty to ban bottom trawling in these MPAs. Bottom trawling is one of the more destructive fishing practices that can lead to accidentally killing larger marine species. Sign up for our Future Earth newsletterto keep up with the latest climate and environment stories with the BBC's Justin Rowlatt. Outside the UK?Sign up to our international newsletter here.
Oceans cannot become 'wild west', warns UN chief
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"UN Chief Urges Regulation Against Uncontrolled Deep-Sea Mining"
Bbc News
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
At the opening of the UN Oceans Conference in Nice, France, UN Secretary General António Guterres expressed strong opposition to unregulated deep-sea mining, declaring that the deep sea must not become the 'Wild West'. His warning coincided with remarks from French President Emmanuel Macron, who emphasized that the oceans represent a shared global resource that should not be commodified. The backdrop for these statements is President Trump's recent decision to issue permits for the extraction of critical minerals from international waters, raising significant concerns among marine scientists regarding the potential ecological damage. Macron criticized any economic activities that threaten the delicate biodiversity of the deep seabed, labeling such actions as 'madness' and highlighting the necessity of protecting these vital ecosystems from predatory exploitation.
The conference agenda also addresses pressing issues like over-fishing, plastic pollution, and climate change. Recently, over 2,000 scientists convened to assess ocean health and recommended a halt to deep-sea exploration until further research can clarify the impacts of such activities. More than 30 countries have backed a moratorium on deep-sea mining, although President Trump has not rescinded his executive order permitting it. A key goal of the conference is to secure ratification of the High Seas Treaty by at least 60 countries to establish marine protected areas covering 30% of international waters by 2030. President Macron announced that an additional 15 countries have ratified the treaty, bringing the total to 47. However, concerns remain about the lack of explicit prohibitions on destructive fishing practices like bottom trawling within these protected areas, which can inadvertently harm larger marine species. This ongoing debate underscores the critical balance needed between resource extraction and environmental preservation in the oceans.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the concerns raised by UN Secretary-General António Guterres regarding unregulated deep-sea mining, a pressing issue in marine conservation and governance. The statements made at the UN Oceans Conference in Nice, France, emphasize the need for sustainable practices in ocean management, particularly in light of increasing interest in extracting minerals from the sea.
Concerns Over Unregulated Mining
Guterres's warning against allowing the deep sea to turn into a "Wild West" reflects growing anxiety among environmentalists and scientists about the potential ecological damage from deep-sea mining. This sentiment is echoed by French President Emmanuel Macron, who insists that the oceans should not be commodified. The mention of President Trump’s decision to permit mineral extraction in international waters adds a geopolitical dimension, suggesting a clash between environmental protection and economic interests.
Scientific Consensus and Global Support
The article notes that over 2,000 scientists recently convened to discuss ocean health and recommended halting deep-sea exploration pending further research. The support of more than 30 countries for a moratorium indicates a significant international consensus on the need for cautious approaches to ocean resource management. This collective stance may aim to pressure nations, particularly those like the U.S. that prioritize economic gain over environmental protection, to reconsider their policies.
Impact on Global Agreements
A key aim of the UN conference is to encourage countries to ratify the High Seas Treaty, which seeks to protect a significant portion of international waters. The article mentions that only 47 countries have ratified the agreement, highlighting the slow progress toward global cooperation in marine conservation. This situation may create tensions between nations that prioritize environmental sustainability and those that favor unrestricted resource extraction.
Potential Economic and Political Implications
The article suggests that this issue could influence various sectors, including international relations and market dynamics. As countries grapple with the implications of deep-sea mining, the outcomes of such discussions could affect investments in marine technology and conservation efforts. Stakeholders in the mining industry may find themselves at odds with conservationists, potentially leading to market volatility surrounding stocks related to marine resource extraction.
Public Sentiment and Community Engagement
This coverage likely resonates with environmental advocacy groups and communities concerned about biodiversity and the health of ocean ecosystems. The emphasis on protecting the oceans aligns with broader societal values regarding sustainability and responsible resource use. By framing the narrative around a shared global responsibility, the article appeals to a collective consciousness regarding environmental stewardship.
Manipulative Elements and Language Use
While the article presents factual information, its language may be perceived as persuasive, aiming to evoke emotional responses about the importance of ocean conservation. Phrases like "the ocean is not for sale" serve to demonize exploitative practices while fostering a sense of urgency around the issue. This approach could be seen as a form of manipulation, aiming to garner public support for stricter regulations.
In conclusion, the article effectively communicates the urgency of addressing deep-sea mining's ecological risks while advocating for international cooperation to protect marine environments. However, its selective framing and emotive language may suggest underlying agendas aimed at influencing public perception and policy.