An international conference on deep-sea mining in Bergen was interrupted on Tuesday morning when activists from Greenpeace took over the stage and transformed the event into a symbolic casino. At the same time, the entrance to the conference center was blocked, and the police had to be called to remove the activists. This is what Greenpeace Denmark writes in a press release.
- Personally, I feel that one of the wildest things about this is that the deep sea is one of the only places on the planet where there have been no humans yet, and so our first instinct is that we want to take down and tear it all down and destroy the environment without even knowing what it is we are losing, says Magna Barrett, who participated in the action.
According to Greenpeace Nordic, the industry behind deep-sea mining is out to take chances with life in the sea.
- The deep-sea mining industry is clearly willing to gamble with the marine environment, so we want to make it very clear that these mining companies are gamblers who are playing with the marine environment as a stake. They should not be trusted with the health of our oceans or with investors' money, says campaign manager for Greenpeace Nordic Haldis Tjeldflaat Helle.
The organization is responding, among other things, to the fact that the mining company The Metals Company, according to Greenpeace, is trying to circumvent the UN process by seeking support from former US President Donald Trump.
- The increasingly desperate actions of the deep-sea mining companies, such as asking President Trump for help or begging for support from the Norwegian government, reveal the true future of the industry: it does not exist, says Haldis Tjeldflaat Helle.
She therefore calls on countries like Norway to reconsider their support for the industry.
- Countries like Norway, which are paving the way for this ruthless industry, must take a hard look at themselves in the mirror and consider whether they really want to stand with these companies that are gambling with our future, says Haldis Tjeldflaat Helle.
Last December, the Norwegian government stopped planned licenses for deep-sea mining in the Arctic. The government has also promised that no licenses will be issued in 2025. However, according to Greenpeace, the industry continues to look for investors and influence politicians.
A study by the Norwegian government shows that mining companies themselves point to a lack of social acceptance as a barrier. According to Greenpeace, the companies respond that parts of society are concerned about major environmental consequences.
Criticism of deep-sea mining has grown global. Over 30 countries, including Canada, Germany, France and the UK, as well as more than 900 marine scientists, technology companies and environmental organizations support a temporary halt to the industry. 60 companies – including Google, Samsung and BMW – have also distanced themselves.
According to Greenpeace, scientists warn that ecosystems in both the Arctic deep sea and the Pacific Ocean could suffer irreparable damage if mining is allowed.
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