forbes.com
First Solar Excludes Deep-Sea Mined Minerals Amid Growing Environmental Concerns
As You Sow and First Solar's January 2025 agreement to exclude deep-sea mined minerals reflects growing global concerns over environmental damage from deep-sea mining, particularly concerning biodiversity, and the need for sustainable sourcing of minerals for electric vehicles and renewable energy.
- What is the significance of the agreement between As You Sow and First Solar regarding deep-sea mining?
- In January 2025, As You Sow and First Solar agreed to exclude deep-sea mined minerals, marking a significant shift in corporate sustainability initiatives. This agreement, the first of its kind, reflects growing global concerns about the environmental impact of deep-sea mining.
- What are the main environmental concerns associated with deep-sea mining, and how do they relate to the growing demand for critical minerals?
- The agreement between As You Sow and First Solar highlights the increasing pressure on companies to adopt sustainable practices in their supply chains. This reflects broader concerns about biodiversity loss and habitat destruction associated with deep-sea mining, particularly given the rising demand for minerals in electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.
- What alternative solutions exist to address the demand for critical minerals without relying on deep-sea mining, and what are their potential impacts?
- The future of deep-sea mining hinges on the upcoming decision by the UN's International Seabed Authority and the continued development of alternative technologies and sustainable practices. A circular economy approach, focusing on recycling and innovative battery technologies like sodium-ion batteries, offers a viable path to meeting the demand for critical minerals without resorting to environmentally damaging deep-sea mining.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames deep-sea mining primarily as an environmental threat. The headline (if there were one) would likely emphasize the environmental risks. The introduction immediately highlights the concerns of As You Sow and the withdrawal agreement, setting a negative tone from the outset. Positive aspects or potential benefits are presented much later, if at all, weakening their impact. The sequencing of information reinforces the negative framing.
Language Bias
The article employs language that leans towards portraying deep-sea mining negatively. Terms like "strip-mine," "threat to global biodiversity," and "devastating long-term consequences" evoke strong negative emotions. While these phrases might be accurate descriptions, using more neutral language would improve objectivity. For example, instead of "strip-mine," consider "extract minerals." Instead of "devastating long-term consequences," consider "potential long-term environmental impacts.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the arguments against deep-sea mining, giving significant weight to the opinions of As You Sow and downplaying potential benefits or alternative viewpoints within the industry. While it mentions the International Seabed Authority's role and the existence of companies supporting deep-sea mining, it doesn't delve into their perspectives or justifications in detail. The potential economic benefits of deep-sea mining for developing nations are also largely absent. This omission creates an unbalanced view, potentially misleading readers into believing deep-sea mining is universally opposed and lacks any redeeming qualities.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the solution as either deep-sea mining or a complete reliance on recycling and alternative technologies. While these are important considerations, the article neglects the possibility of a balanced approach where deep-sea mining might play a limited, carefully regulated role alongside other initiatives. Jonathan Rowntree's statement, "the solution isn't either—it's all of the above," hints at this nuance, but it is not explored fully.
Sustainable Development Goals
Deep sea mining poses significant threats to marine biodiversity and ecosystems. The extraction process can lead to habitat destruction, sediment plumes, and disruption of the ocean's carbon storage and oxygen production capabilities. The article highlights concerns from experts like Cole Genge, who labels deep-sea mining as a major threat to global biodiversity. The potential for environmental damage outweighs the potential benefits of obtaining minerals for green technologies.