We all want to drive electric cars, heat our homes with solar panels, and do our laundry with wind energy. That way, we’re making a positive impact. Or are we? The metals required for this green transition – such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese – are currently mined in the Global South, often at great human and environmental cost. But what if there was another way?
VPRO Tegenlicht Meet Up: the Battle for the Deep Sea
Date: Tuesday, 13th of May, 12.00-14.00 (lunch included)
Location: SustainaLab, Matrix ONE, Amsterdam Science Park 301, 1098 XH Amsterdam
Language: English
In the VPRO Tegenlicht episode ‘De strijd om de diepzee’, we see how deep beneath the ocean surface, vast deposits of critical metals lie waiting. Countries and companies from Canada, Norway, and the Netherlands are eager to start deep-sea mining, believing it could reduce Western dependence on Chinese-controlled supply chains. But at what cost? Deep-sea mining is an expensive and high-risk endeavor, requiring cutting-edge technology to operate under extreme pressure. The first permits for large-scale mining are expected to be granted soon. Yet the deep sea remains one of the least understood ecosystems on our planet. Environmental groups, including Greenpeace, warn that disturbing these fragile ecosystems could cause irreversible damage.
Watch the episode with English subtitles here.
During our Meet Up we will explore different aspects of this issue. We will bring together perspectives from science, explaining the biological impact of deep-sea mining on marine ecosystems, while also discussing the importance of these metals for the energy transition, combined with the geopolitical aspect of this issue. Should we mine the seabed or continue to extract resources from land? What are the real costs to biodiversity, both on land and in the sea? Whether you’re a student, working in the industry, an entrepreneur or simply curious about this topic, this is your chance to learn, share and network with others committed to creating a greener future!
Line-up:
- Ilija Božović, director at VPRO Tegenlicht. He has a keen interest in geopolitical topics, such as raw materials and will elaborate on his motivations and the process behind creating this episode.
- Jasper de Goeij is a deep-sea sponge fanatic and Associate Professor of Marine Benthic Ecology at the University of Amsterdam. Jasper will shed light on the ecological and scientific perspective of deep-sea mining.
- Sian Owen is the Executive Director of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition and a leading expert on deep-sea mining, with over 20 years of experience in ocean conservation.
- More speakers to be announced.
- Moderation: Freddie Weterings.
Participation is free, and a delicious lunch will be provided. Space is limited, so don’t miss out!
Register here!