Deep Rising, an environmental film, dives into the harmful effects of deep sea mining and the fierce race to mine our planet’s oceans.
While 95% of the ocean has yet to be explored, we are learning more about this beautiful body of water every day. A new documentary centered around the ocean, specifically the deep ocean, is Deep Rising, directed by Matthieu Rytz. The environmental film begins by explaining that while the deep ocean was once believed to be uninhabitable, there are actually numerous lifeforms who call this space home. Can the deep ocean fix our climate crisis? Can a country own the deep ocean? How can the deep ocean benefit us? These are a few of the questions explored in this environmental film.
Important Facts
The overarching theme of the film is about the impact from the race to mine and harvest metals from the deep ocean floor. Companies like Deep Green Resources are looking to collect manganese nodules from the depths of the ocean that contain metals needed to produce electric vehicles.
In theory, collecting natural minerals and metals to create eco-friendly vehicles sounds like a good thing. But it’s more complicated when you consider the impact. Taking these metals from the ocean floor will disrupt and potentially destroy the deep ocean’s biodiversity. Other issues surrounding this harvesting of deep sea metals include the exploitation of locals in countries like Papua New Guinea and the depletion of natural resources.
Everyday Ways To Prevent & Reduce Microplastics & Ocean Pollution
- The deep ocean absorbs and stores more than 90% of the excess heat and approximately 38% of the carbon dioxide generated by humanity.
- A breakdown of even a small fraction of carbon stored in marine sediments could exacerbate climate change.
- Noise from deep-sea mining could disrupt marine mammals, such as whales and dolphins.
- French president Emmanuel Macron has called for a complete ban of deep sea mining.
- Samsung, Google, Volvo, Philips and BMW have also backed a moratorium on deep-sea mining.
- In 1994 the International Seabed Authority (ISA) was created to organize and oversee mineral-related activities in the deep sea.
- The ISA has until 2025 to finalize regulations that will dictate whether and how countries could pursue deep-sea mining in international waters.
Take Action!
There are concerns from scientists, environmentalists, politicians, and even corporations about how mining for metals in the ocean may become the new oil. We can reclaim the deep seabed and stop deep sea mining by taking action. Not sure where to start? Consider these approaches:
- Talk to your friends, family, and your community about the dangers of deep sea mining
- Tweet Michael Lodge, head of the International Seabed Authority, voicing your opposition to deep sea mining
- Sign a petition to stop deep sea mining
- Further educate yourself on the issue and seek out blog posts, news stories, and articles on deep sea mining
- Share infographics and fact sheets on deep sea mining on your social media accounts
Additional Resources
If you’re inspired by Deep Rising and this article to learn more about the deep ocean and take action against deep sea mining, explore the resources below: