India’s ocean exploration undermines climate goals | Science

In July 2024, India began seeking additional deep-sea exploration licenses from the International Seabed Authority for the purpose of mining metals such as nickel, manganese, and copper from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean (1). These metals are central to the development of a green-energy economy (2). However, deep-sea mining disrupts marine ecosystems and could reduce marine carbon sequestration. India should not expand its mining activities until its effects on deep-sea biodiversity, and deep-sea species’ effects on carbon sequestration, are better understood. In July 2024, India began seeking additional deep-sea exploration licenses from the International Seabed Authority for the purpose of mining metals such as nickel, manganese, and copper from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean (1). These metals are central to the development of a green-energy economy (2). However, deep-sea mining disrupts marine ecosystems and could reduce marine carbon sequestration. India should not expand its mining activities until its effects on deep-sea biodiversity, and deep-sea species’ effects on carbon sequestration, are better understood.  Science