While watching BBC News this morning, enjoying a cup of tea, a story about new oceanographic findings in hydrothermal vents came on that piqued my interests. At first I was feeling a sense of pride, having come from a biological oceanographic background, I felt connected to the story in understanding the technicalities of the research and the dedication of the scientists' work. However, the story took a turn that left me in tears-- a strong emotional reaction I would not have expected, nor do I admit to without embarrassment-- a sure sign that has motivated me to create a blog for Environmental Perspective.
Not able to find the exact story I saw on the news this morning, I have been able to find two BBC articles that pieced together, gets to the heart of my distraught:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21774447
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21782277
"A new and controversial frontier in mining is opening up as a British firm joins a growing rush to exploit minerals in the depths of the oceans." - David Shukman, BBC
While I am not an expert, but taking a moment to digest the information and seeking more, three things came to mind.
One: Scientists do not know the effects mining will have on the sea floor ecosystem and what detriments it may have, long-term. There is a possibility that the ecosystems may be destroyed irrecoverably, having a domino effect up the food chain, eventually causing further issues that damage future generations. As said by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute:
"The argument for protecting species is the same as that on land—diversity is at the heart of functioning ecosystems; it helps life adapt to changing conditions." (http://www.whoi.edu/oceanus/viewArticle.do?id=62986)
Two: Seafloor mining by Lockheed Martin is currently supported by the UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, and as of March 2013, has been given a license to contract an investigation for 58,000 square-kilometers of ocean floor in search of mineral-rich polymetallic nodules (http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2013/march/0314uk-polymetallic-nodules.html).
But, here's my question: for what purpose?
According to Prime Minister, David Cameron, “The UK is leading the way in this exciting new industry which has the potential to create specialist and supply chain jobs across the country and is expected to be worth up to £40bn to the UK economy over the next 30 years. With our technology, skills, scientific and environmental expertise at the forefront, this demonstrates that the UK is open for business as we compete in the global race."
Yet, a striking dominance of scientists from all disciplinary backgrounds have explicitly said the environmental impacts of deep sea mining are poorly understood, constituting an unacceptable risk. I have been able to find Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) for a Canadian mining company called, Nautilus Mining Inc., and all have concluded mining is not recommended. I have yet to find EISs completed for Lockheed Martin regarding the exploration of said 58,000 square kilometers of sea floor.
If there is a loud scientific voice saying it is ill advised to proceed with deep sea mining, what is the point in exploring the ocean floors for potential exploitation? Again... what is the purpose of the UK politicians supporting Lockheed Martin in deep sea mining?
Three: We humans have exhausted the limits of the biosphere at the expense of the successive future generations. On a philosophical level, at what point will we reconsider our lifestyles and relationship with Nature? How far are we willing to irrecoverably damage our planet to obtain perceived power and control through capitalism?
I realize this last thought is a controversial and largely debatable topic... I do not believe there are "right" answers, but I do believe we have an opportunity to do what is right for the betterment of our children and our children's children, as each successive generation continues... the question is, how far are we willing to let others exploit our planet in the name of something such as 'the global race', when it appears to be underlined by politics, money, and selfish greed?
... And, this is the underlying reasoning for my tears.
If nothing else, I hope that the blog of Environmental Perspectives can bring minds, thoughts, and ideas together through dialog, in efforts to raise awareness and inspire realistic sustainability for our future generations.
Not able to find the exact story I saw on the news this morning, I have been able to find two BBC articles that pieced together, gets to the heart of my distraught:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21774447
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21782277
 |
| Source: Lockheed Martin |
"A new and controversial frontier in mining is opening up as a British firm joins a growing rush to exploit minerals in the depths of the oceans." - David Shukman, BBC
While I am not an expert, but taking a moment to digest the information and seeking more, three things came to mind.
One: Scientists do not know the effects mining will have on the sea floor ecosystem and what detriments it may have, long-term. There is a possibility that the ecosystems may be destroyed irrecoverably, having a domino effect up the food chain, eventually causing further issues that damage future generations. As said by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute:
"The argument for protecting species is the same as that on land—diversity is at the heart of functioning ecosystems; it helps life adapt to changing conditions." (http://www.whoi.edu/oceanus/viewArticle.do?id=62986)
Two: Seafloor mining by Lockheed Martin is currently supported by the UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, and as of March 2013, has been given a license to contract an investigation for 58,000 square-kilometers of ocean floor in search of mineral-rich polymetallic nodules (http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2013/march/0314uk-polymetallic-nodules.html).
But, here's my question: for what purpose?
According to Prime Minister, David Cameron, “The UK is leading the way in this exciting new industry which has the potential to create specialist and supply chain jobs across the country and is expected to be worth up to £40bn to the UK economy over the next 30 years. With our technology, skills, scientific and environmental expertise at the forefront, this demonstrates that the UK is open for business as we compete in the global race."
Yet, a striking dominance of scientists from all disciplinary backgrounds have explicitly said the environmental impacts of deep sea mining are poorly understood, constituting an unacceptable risk. I have been able to find Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) for a Canadian mining company called, Nautilus Mining Inc., and all have concluded mining is not recommended. I have yet to find EISs completed for Lockheed Martin regarding the exploration of said 58,000 square kilometers of sea floor.
If there is a loud scientific voice saying it is ill advised to proceed with deep sea mining, what is the point in exploring the ocean floors for potential exploitation? Again... what is the purpose of the UK politicians supporting Lockheed Martin in deep sea mining?
Three: We humans have exhausted the limits of the biosphere at the expense of the successive future generations. On a philosophical level, at what point will we reconsider our lifestyles and relationship with Nature? How far are we willing to irrecoverably damage our planet to obtain perceived power and control through capitalism?
I realize this last thought is a controversial and largely debatable topic... I do not believe there are "right" answers, but I do believe we have an opportunity to do what is right for the betterment of our children and our children's children, as each successive generation continues... the question is, how far are we willing to let others exploit our planet in the name of something such as 'the global race', when it appears to be underlined by politics, money, and selfish greed?
... And, this is the underlying reasoning for my tears.
If nothing else, I hope that the blog of Environmental Perspectives can bring minds, thoughts, and ideas together through dialog, in efforts to raise awareness and inspire realistic sustainability for our future generations.
No comments:
Post a Comment