Climate Change
Climate change, and how the world will reach net zero emissions, is of great interest to me.
However, the rapidly evolving sustainability landscape and increasing complexities have
reduced clarity on how positive and lasting changes can be made.
The transition towards renewable and clean energy sources stands as a clear example of a
shift which we know is crucial, yet the 'how' is marred with complications. The International
Energy Agency has declared that the current mining plans are insufficient to meet the 2050
net zero targets, due to the raw materials required for renewable energy. As David Whitmarsh
noted on the 'Jazz Shapers' podcast, 'venturing into unchartered territory' is imperative in
order to achieve the groundbreaking results, which we are in desperate need of to reduce our
reliance on fossil fuels. However, even in this light, the UK's recent consideration of deep-sea
mining raises concerns. Although the data on deep-sea mining is embryonic and uncertain, the
risks posed by interfering with the earth's largest carbon store could be catastrophic. This
highlights the need for not only bold creative solutions, but ones which offer a lasting positive
impact. Spaces encouraging innovation of clean energy, such as Mishcon's Green Hydrogen
Investor Forum, are essential in the transition from carbon.
Other efforts to effect positive change include green-conscious investments. However, opaque
and misleading statements are tainting genuine efforts by investors. This greenwashing risks
disincentivising investors from paying the premium rates for green investments. Due to the
influential role investors play in shaping corporate behaviour, increasing their access to justice
and corporate accountability through the Mishcon Purpose Litigation department is of immense
value to maintaining momentum towards raising awareness and achieving net zero.
Incentivising innovation whilst increasing accountability for greenwashing are both vital in
demonstrating that the complex sustainability landscape offers risks and opportunities.
Deep-sea mining
Concerns
Potential risks not fully known although many scientists believe the consequences, despite not fully known, could be catastrophic
Ocean bed has stored carbon from the air for a long time - deep sea mining could release this back into the atmosphere
-
-
Much of the ocean and depths of ocean in particular remains unexplored, so many ecosystems and animals could be disrupted
-
Benefits
Minerals which can/may be found in ocean bed can be used for electric vehicles and other uses for renewable energy
-
-
You mentioned concerns about deep-sea mining despite its potential for minerals needed for renewable energy. How would you reconcile the need for these materials with the environmental risks, especially the carbon storage aspect?
Need for materials
If did venture into deep sea mining, would need to be cautious and take fact-based approach
Comprehensive environmental impact assessment needed; ecological consequences must be researched on long-term basis
-
If deep sea mining is deemed unavoidable, need strict international regulations in place, ensuring minimal disruption to ecosystem and responsible waste management
Imagine you're working on a legal case representing either a renewable energy company seeking these minerals or an environmental group opposing deep-sea mining. How would you approach the case, navigating the ethical and economic implications?
(2) Would you support alternative strategies, or do you see some responsible way to proceed with deep-sea mining?
Innovation
-
Amazing positive advancements that technology will soon be available for this when wouldn't have been available historically
However, if not yet possible, could argue that innovation should have more sustainable focus
-
-
interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists would be positive - engineers, policy makers, legal experts - could all work together to find sustainable solutions. Atm oil engineers vs sustainable engineers and policy makers fighting their own battles.
-
-
-