Deep-Seabed Mining and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Despite the warnings that have been repeatedly made by the United Nations’ Secretary-General on the world being decades behind in the transition to clean energy and the risks that humanity is facing regarding climate change and loss of biodiversity, the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere continues to rise. At the same time, the green energy transition has increased the demand for metals used in batteries, electricity networks, solar panels and wind turbines. To meet the demand, extensive investments in mining projects have to be made in the short term. Deep-seabed mining can also contribute to foster the transition to a low carbon economy that is one of the pillars of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. After 30 years since coming into force, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea still provides a multilateral approach to develop this industry in the most transparent and sustainable way. Within this legal framework, small island developing States may also play a crucial role based on their access to deep sea minerals in areas beyond and within national jurisdiction, the awareness of their vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and their tradition to engage with Indigenous peoples and local communities.