Greenpeace Switzerland activists have made their voices heard at an international investor conference in Zurich held on March 21-22, calling for the conversation of the deep sea ecosystem. The group put up banners asking for a halt to this practice, which threatens the biodiversity of one of the world’s largest and least explored ecosystems. The Executive Director of Greenpeace Switzerland stressed that the deep sea is one of the last ecosystems that has not been affected by human activities and that commercial exploitation might have catastrophic effects on the climate.
Switzerland is known for its commitment to sustainability and the environment, and Greenpeace Switzerland’s initiatives reflect this. The government is actively participating in discussions at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Jamaica to decide whether or not deep-sea mining should be permitted to start. Switzerland and other countries are consistent in their determination to safeguard the environment and make sure that any mining operations are carried out sustainably despite pressure from some parties.
More than 700 scientists from 44 countries have signed a call to pause deep seabed mining, and several firms have vowed to not use ocean-mined minerals. The growing opposition is in line with Switzerland’s sustainability policy and the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN.
While some firms may regard deep sea mining as a chance to build a greener future, studies have proven that the seabed simply won’t supply the metals required. In light of this, banks and investors should stay away from companies that are incompatible with a sustainable future. Switzerland has demonstrated its leadership in global environmental sustainability efforts by taking a position on this issue.