Deep Sea Mining: Technological Feasibility vs. Environmental Morality

Deep sea mining is rapidly becoming technologically feasible, but it poses profound and potentially irreversible risks to fragile deep ocean ecosystems, climate regulation, and undiscovered biodiversity. While proponents argue it could supply critical minerals for the energy transition, scientific consensus warns that the environmental and ethical costs far outweigh current benefits, especially given uncertain long-term impacts and weak governance. A precautionary global moratorium, stronger regulations, and prioritizing recycling and alternative technologies are necessary before proceeding with any large-scale exploitation of the deep sea.

Are Commitment Devices A Solution To Climate Myopia?

Commitment devices offer a potential solution to the gap between climate pledges and action by binding policymakers to long-term goals. Real-world examples, like renewable energy mandates and carbon pricing mechanisms, demonstrate the efficacy of commitment devices in driving sustainable change. However, challenges such as loss of flexibility and democratic deficits must be addressed to ensure the success of these mechanisms in tackling the climate crisis.

Planned Obsolescence: What Is It?

Planned obsolescence encourages new product purchases and an economy centered around discard vs. repair. Planned obsolescence is responsible for the generation of e-waste, adversely burdening people and the planet. Recovering materials from e-waste and designing products with repairability in mind are readily available alternatives to planned obsolescence.

The Pathways To A Low-Carbon Future: Technology

This is the second instalment of our investigation into the possibilities for a low-carbon future, where Vincent Diringer focuses on technology. The biggest fallacy is as follows: there is a need for continuous power generation, and the intermittency of renewables would make it impossible for it to be a viable option. The solution needed isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the sheer amount of projects being undertaken are certain to help find the best available option for any sector, issue, or entity.