Washington, DC – Greenpeace welcomed Patagonia’s announcement today, supporting the call for a global moratorium on minerals sourced through deep seabed mining until the proper research and scientific studies have been completed. The sustainable outdoor clothing company noted that their decision was motivated by the need to stop extractive industries from raiding land and water resources for financial gain and support a shift away from the model of capitalism that necessitates endless growth at the expense of the planet.
“Greenpeace is thrilled by Patagonia’s leadership on this issue and urges all corporations, especially those on the leading edge of the transition from fossil fuels–like the tech and automotive industry–to examine their supply chains and join in supporting a UN Moratorium on deep-sea mining” said Arlo Hemphill, Senior Greenpeace Oceans campaigner.
Patagonia joins a growing list of corporations, including Google, Volvo Group, BMW, Samsung, and Phillips, that are choosing leadership and responsibility when it comes to protecting the ocean floor. Other companies such as Microsoft, Ford Automotive, GM, and Rivian have taken commendable steps to ensure that minerals sourced through deep-sea mining will not be used in their supply chains but have yet to join the call for a political moratorium.
The growing call from companies to safeguard the health of the deep ocean comes as scientists and policy experts continue to warn of the risks associated with deep-sea mining. More than 600 marine science and policy experts from over 44 countries have called for a pause on the nascent and highly destructive industry, warning of a “loss of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning that would be irreversible on multi-generational timescales” and “uncertain impacts on carbon sequestration dynamics and deep-ocean carbon storage.” Earlier this year, the influential International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress in Marseille also passed a resolution with overwhelming support for a moratorium on deep-sea mining.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA), the agency responsible for regulating any mining activities in areas beyond national jurisdiction and charged with protecting the deep seabed for the benefit of all humankind, will meet in Kingston, Jamaica, from 6-15 December 2021. Some ISA Member States and official Observers have expressed concern about the rush to meet in person during a global pandemic when many delegates cannot travel.
“Once the ISA adopts regulations to allow deep sea mining to start, the floodgates for another destructive extractive industry will be permanently opened. We’re concerned that the current meeting is being used to fast track this process at a time when COVID19 lockdowns and travel restrictions are hampering the full participation of governments and civil society organizations and limiting the processes of analysis and consultation. We encourage all ISA Member States to follow through on their pledges to protect the oceans established in other forums,” Hemphill stated.
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Contact: Tanya Brooks, Greenpeace USA Senior Communications Specialist, P: 703-342-9226
Greenpeace USA
Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. This year, as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, Greenpeace USA is committed to rebuilding the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.
