Startseite
Podcasts
The Climate Question Podcast
Should we mine the deep ocean?

Should we mine the deep ocean?

The Climate Question vor 4 Monaten

What is deep‑sea mining? And is it a climate solution or an environmental hazard?

0:00

22:59

In the global race for critical minerals - could the seabed
provide solutions? Or should we leave these metal-rich
environments undisturbed?

Governments and mining companies around the world are on the hunt
for the critical minerals we need for the green tech transition.
And there’s growing interest in an unlikely source –
potato-shaped nodules that are found kilometres below the surface
of our oceans.

These polymetallic nodules contain high levels of elements like
cobalt, nickel, manganese and copper. Supporters of deep-sea
mining say that harvesting them might be less damaging to the
environment than mining on land. But many scientists support a
moratorium; they say industrial activity on the seabed could
damage the biodiversity of a fragile part of our planet.

The BBC’s Climate and Science Reporter Georgina Rannard has been
following the deep-sea mining debate for five years. She chats to
Hosts Graihagh Jackson and Jordan Dunbar.

Got a question or comment? Email us at theclimatequestion@bbc.com

Production team: Simon Watts, Graihagh Jackson, Diane Richardson,
Melanie Stewart-Smith Sound Engineers: Jonny Hall and Tom
Brignell Production Coordinator: Brenda Brown Editor: Simon Watts

Picture Credit: A Brittle Star, Michael Zeigler via Getty Images