23/07/2023
THE SEADED MINING LIES AND DELUSIONS,
"But don't we need deep sea minerals for the green energy transition?" 🤪 As the push from big industry gets underway to pressure governments into allowing them to rip up pristine ocean ecosystems, this is a narrative you're going to hear a lot. And it's FASLE 👇
YES, minerals will be needed for a transition to a clean energy system,
and
NO the deep sea won't provide the metals needed for the shift towards e-mobility and green technologies.
🚗Mining companies need a reason to justify the destruction of the deep. But many car and technology companies – the target market for the deep sea mining industry – have already signed a business statement calling for a moratorium on deep sea mining and have committed to not using deep sea mined minerals or metals.
❓Deep sea mining involves the extraction of polymetallic nodules off the deep sea floor – nodules that are a cornerstone in delicate deep sea ecosystems that many species rely on. These nodules do not contain a significant amount of lithium – a key element in electric batteries – and the feasibility of extracting lithium from polymetallic nodules has not yet been proven and is not targeted by planned deepsea mining projects.
Furthermore, the emphasis on the need for NEW batteries – thereby driving demand for extraction of more metals and minerals – must be challenged.
♻️To limit the overall demand for minerals, investments are needed in developing more efficient, long-lasting batteries that rely less on the most controversial minerals, such as cobalt. Battery recycling, reuse and international R&D collaboration are needed to improve battery technology in both electric vehicles and across our daily lives.
🚆 Investments are also needed in efficient and accessible public transportation systems + cities that make walking and cycling safer. The notion that every person needs to own a car must be challenged – that is the logic of infinite growth that has gotten us into the climate crisis in the first place.
We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to STOP an extractive industry before it starts. ADD YOUR VOICE >> https://act.gp/3orQavy
🎨 .gustafson
