Intelligence Squared Power and Greed on the High Seas, with Olive Heffernan
Aug 7, 2024
Olive Heffernan, an award-winning science journalist and author of "The High Seas," discusses the challenges of ocean conservation and the greed driving exploitation of marine resources. Joined by Adam McCauley, they explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding twilight zone fisheries and the critical role oceans play in climate change mitigation. The conversation highlights the urgent need for regulations to combat pirate fishing and protect biodiversity, emphasizing the balance between commercial interests and ecological preservation in these unclaimed waters.
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High Seas Definition and Importance
- The high seas, legally defined as waters beyond national borders, comprise a vast, largely unowned area.
- This area covers half of Earth's surface and 95% of its living space, making it a crucial yet often overlooked domain.
Ocean's Vastness and Unknown Biodiversity
- The ocean's vastness and depth mean much remains unknown, from unmapped mountain ranges to new species.
- The Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a potential seabed mining site, exemplifies this, with 90% of discovered species being new to science.
Seabed Mining and Environmental Concerns
- Seabed mining targets mineral-rich nodules, formed over millions of years, containing valuable metals.
- Sediment disturbance from mining poses a significant threat to deep-sea life and potentially commercial fisheries.
