The race to the bottom, and Singapore is part of the problem

Rising demand for minerals and metals due to energy and consumer demand has led to the resurgence of interest in deep-sea mining. Proponents of deep-sea mining believe it is a solution to climate change while environmental advocates think it is an impending catastrophe.

The risks of deep-sea mining are enormous as scientists and regulators admit that the consequences of exploiting the deep ocean, which is also home to profound ecosystems are still unknown. Yet, Singapore is among several countries pushing for ocean mining.

This made individuals question Singapore’s conflicting stance regarding its efforts toward an international treaty to sustainably manage the high seas and its support for deep-sea mining.

With a two-year countdown to deep-sea mining, many countries have called for a ban until its impacts are known. Other stakeholders including banks and consumer-facing brands have pledged to avoid financing or using metals mined from the ocean in response to growing opposition to ocean mining from consumers.

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