We have turned the tide
September 20, 2024
By WeMove Europe
We have turned the tide on deep sea mining.
For years leadership on ocean protection cared more about the mining industry’s profits than protecting the deep sea. [1]
But this summer, global leaders changed the conversation from one on digging, dredging and destroying the deep sea for minerals, to protecting it. They elected a new leader, not in the pocket of the mining industry, but in fact an ocean expert. [2]
This massive turnaround is thanks to this community and our partners’ tireless efforts. If we keep on fighting together we may stop this environmental catastrophe from ever taking shape.
Over the past months we did not simply enjoy cooling dips in the sea - we defended her!
- We commissioned a poll showing that 6 out of 10 Europeans want to protect the ocean against deep sea mining and then you shared this with your leaders all across social media. A figure our leaders could not ignore. [3]
- While global talks were happening, almost a thousand of you wrote to your national newspaper to make sure they covered this environmental catastrophe before Europe sleepwalks into it.
- We got the news that Europeans want to protect the ocean, not destroy it for greed, published in newspapers, online forums, television and radio across Europe! [4]
We are taking down the mining sector’s points of influence one by one, with another two European countries, Malta and Austria, joining 32 other states in calling for a moratorium too.
But we still have one year left before a final decision on deep sea mining is reached. During this time, mining companies could still get the right to dig, dredge and destroy the ocean floor for minerals. [5]
So we will keep putting pressure on every European state that has not yet spoken out for a moratorium, by continuing to boost Europeans for the deep in the media, online and on the streets. [6]
Thanks to all of you who chipped in, wrote letters, and added your voice to this movement we continue the fight from a place of strength.
