European Parliament Calls for Global Moratorium on Deep-Sea Mining

In a decisive move reflecting growing environmental concerns, the European Parliament has called for a global moratorium on deep-sea mining, emphasizing the need for comprehensive scientific assessments before any exploitation of seabed resources proceeds.​

On February 7, 2024, the European Parliament adopted Resolution B9-0095/2024, which:​

- Expresses Concern Over Norway's Actions: The resolution raises apprehensions about Norway's decision to open vast areas of the Arctic seabed for mining activities, highlighting potential environmental risks and the need for adherence to international commitments. ​

- Calls for a Global Moratorium: The Parliament urges the European Commission, EU Member States, and the international community to advocate for a global moratorium on deep-sea mining, applying the precautionary principle until thorough scientific research can ensure no harmful effects on marine ecosystems. ​

- Emphasizes Environmental Concerns: The resolution underscores the potential risks deep-sea mining poses to marine biodiversity, including the disruption of fisheries, release of methane from sub-glacial ecosystems, and significant biodiversity loss. ​

The European Parliament has consistently advocated for caution regarding deep-sea mining. In 2018, it called for an international moratorium, emphasizing the need to understand the environmental consequences before proceeding. The recent resolution reinforces this stance amid increasing global interest in seabed mineral exploitation.​

Norway's decision to initiate deep-sea mining in Arctic waters has drawn international attention and criticism. Environmental organizations and several EU member states have expressed concerns about the potential irreversible damage to marine ecosystems and the lack of comprehensive scientific understanding of deep-sea environments. ​

The call for a moratorium aligns with actions taken by other nations. For instance, Portugal's parliament recently took steps toward banning deep-sea mining in its territorial waters, positioning itself as a leader in marine conservation within Europe. ​

The European Parliament's resolution represents a significant step in the global discourse on deep-sea mining, emphasizing the need for a precautionary approach grounded in scientific research. As nations grapple with balancing resource extraction and environmental preservation, this call for a moratorium underscores the imperative to protect the largely unexplored and vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems for future generations.

Green Voice by Chloe
109 Borough High St, London SE1 1NL, UK
info@greenvoicebychloe.com

Green Voice by Chloe Wilson is an Environmental Consultant dedicated to sustainability, climate justice, and biodiversity.

This release was published on openPR.