Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s Post

🚫 No to Deep Sea Bed Mining! 🌊 As Tanzanian youth ocean leaders and climate activists, we stand united in saying: Our ocean is our heritage, stop deep sea mining! 💙 Deep sea bed mining threatens the delicate ecosystems that provide life to our oceans. It risks destroying habitats, disrupting biodiversity, and releasing harmful toxins—all for short-term economic gain. But the health of our oceans is worth so much more than any mineral! We believe in a future where our oceans thrive, and deep sea bed mining is NOT part of that vision. Let’s prioritize sustainability, conservation, and innovation that respects our ocean and secures its future for generations to come. #OOB24 is funded by UMI Fund and Africa-Europe Foundation #StopDeepSeaMining #SaveOurOceans #TanzanianYouth #OceanActivists #OurOceanOurHeritage #ClimateJustice #ProtectTheSeas #BlueEconomy Africa-Europe Foundation Climate Action Network International @tfs_easternzone @bagamoyodc Mojafam Organization High Seas Alliance VSO Sustainable Ocean Alliance Daniela V. Fernandez Brandon Ross Levy 10 Billion Strong

#Transparency is indeed needed regarding involvement of #Jamaica as a sponsoring state for #deepseamining exploration, especially as Jamaica does not yet have a legal framework in place, which itself would require engagement of the public and all stakeholders especially given the scientific uncertainty and global impacts. Jamaica is a signatory to the #EscazuAgreement, indicating at least some level of interest by the government in protecting the rights of access to environmental information, public participation in the environmental decision-making process and access to justice in environmental matters. Hoping that they will move forward with ratification of this important treaty which supports commitment to good environmental governance, including on deep-sea mining issues. Thanks to Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie and the Jamaica Environment Trust for continuing to share information with the public on this important issue.

MINING LEADERS COMMIT TO SUPPORT A NATURE POSITIVE FUTURE In a post that I published several days ago I stated that "a successful energy transition can only be achieved if we deal adequately with unsustainable and irresponsible mining practices which threaten to perpetuate environmental degradation and social inequalities." With this message still resonating in my head, I came across a very inspiring position statement today that was recently (Jan. 17) made by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) regarding the need to take urgent action to halt and reverse nature loss, which is vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and reaching global decarbonization targets. "With responsibly produced minerals and metals playing a critical role in advancing global sustainable development goals, ICMM members, representing a third of the global industry, have pledged that meeting this demand for critical materials must not be at the expense of nature. Our Nature: Position Statement signifies a collective promise to contribute to a nature positive future across our areas of influence." ‘Nature positive by 2030’ refers to halting and reversing biodiversity loss by 2030 from a 2020 baseline, through measurable gains in the health, abundance, diversity and resilience of species, ecosystems, and natural processes. ICMM's new commitments have been set out in a 5-point plan for nature: * Protect and conserve pristine areas of our natural environment: No mining or exploration in World Heritage Sites and respect all legally designated protected areas. * Halt biodiversity loss at our operations: Achieve at least no net loss of biodiversity at all mine sites by closure against a 2020 baseline. * Collaborate across value chains: Develop initiatives and partnerships that halt and reverse nature loss throughout supply and distribution chains. * Restore and enhance landscapes: Around operations through local partnerships, including with Indigenous Peoples, land-connected peoples and local communities. * Catalyse wider change: Acting to change the fundamental systems that contribute to nature loss and fostering opportunities for nature’s recovery. This is the kind of leadership the industry requires in these challenging times.  And these are the type of commitments that help me remember why I joined the industry in the first place. Now, Let's Walk the Talk! https://lnkd.in/e4KT56Fp

Africa at Climate Week: Balancing Environment, and Social Justice By Paula Kahumbu As Climate Week and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) wrap up, I’ve been reflecting on the urgency of our global challenges and the pivotal role Africa must play in addressing them. This year’s UNGA theme, “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity” resonates deeply as we confront the intertwined crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and inequality. Africa stands at the intersection of these global issues. This week’s discussions have highlighted the need for bold, collective action, and the potential for Africa to lead the way in finding solutions that are just. Starlink Elon Musk’s Starlink in Africa promises to bridge the digital divide by bringing affordable internet to remote areas - advancing access to education, media, and conservation efforts. But it comes with challenges. African telecom companies, who have invested millions and created thousands of jobs, warn that Starlink could undermine the local economies and deepen inequality. Debt-for-Nature Swaps Africans are pioneering a “joint debt-for-nature swap” for countries along the Indian Ocean. The potential is to raise $2 billion to protect our ocean ecosystems which could be a blueprint for developing nations to leverage debt relief for environmental protection. It’s essential that the benefits reach local communities whose livelihoods depend on these ecosystems and that we don’t repeat past mistakes, where funds get tied up in bureaucracy and never reach the people at the frontline. Ghana’s Illegal Mining Crisis https://lnkd.in/dFFMm2kj Horrifying images of Ghana’s illegal mining crisis (galamsey) kept me awake this week. Illegal mining has polluted rivers, destroyed forests, and ravaged farmlands, leaving communities without clean water and arable land. It’s an emergency that requires urgent action. Ghanaians are planning a nationwide to protest demanding government intervention. It’s a reminder that the climate crisis is lived daily by communities. Ghana’s must enforce environmental laws and also to offer sustainable alternatives for those whose livelihoods are tied to destructive industries. Namibia’s Genocide Reconciliation Another story that resonated with me is Namibia’s bold effort to achieve restorative justice for the descendants of those displaced by colonialism. The return of Herero descendants to their ancestral lands after over a century in exile marks a significant step toward reconciliation. But it also underscores the deep connections between justice, land, and climate. Colonialism left political, social and environmental scars. Restorative justice is not only about returning land to its rightful owners—it’s about ensuring that land is protected and used sustainably in the face of climate change.

Happy World Environment Day! This year's theme focuses on "Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience," crucial areas where the mining industry can make a significant impact. According to UNEP, land restoration boosts livelihoods, lowers poverty and builds resilience to extreme weather. Restoring just 15 per cent of land and halting further conversion could avoid up to 60 per cent of expected species extinctions. Mining organisations are also leading the way in environmental stewardship. For example: ➡ IWiM’s Ally partner Rio Tinto has implemented innovative land restoration projects, transforming mined land into vibrant ecosystems which you can learn about here - https://lnkd.in/d7YVTwXB . ➡ BHP is committed to water stewardship, ensuring sustainable water use in drought-prone areas which they discuss in detail here - https://lnkd.in/dm75e9bS . ➡ Anglo American’s Sustainable Mining Plan, which can be found here - https://lnkd.in/d7kX-_tt aims to achieve a net positive impact on biodiversity, showcasing their dedication to environmental resilience. These efforts highlight the potential for mining companies to contribute positively to our planet. Let's celebrate their achievements and be encouraged to prioritise land restoration and environmental sustainability. 🌿 Do you know of any other initiatives by mining companies to protect our environment? Do you work in one? Let us know in the comments! #WorldEnvironmentDay #LandRestoration #Desertification #DroughtResilience #SustainableMining #EnvironmentalStewardship #MiningIndustry #GreenMines

In #NewSecurityBeat's TOP 5 posts from October, read about #COP16 and the growing alignment between #climate and #biodiversity, the potential impact of deep seabed #mining and where it might take place, and South Korea's declining fertility rates, and much more! 1️⃣ Deep Seabed Mining: Will It Rise to The Surface—and Where? | by Steve Gale -https://buff.ly/3NBm2Hv 2️⃣ “Too Many” to “Too Few”: South Korea’s Declining Fertility Rates | by Torunika Roy - https://buff.ly/4hqFjZX 3️⃣ A Decade of Progress on Palm Oil Deforestation at Risk in Indonesia | by Jason Jon Benedict & Robert Heilmayr - https://buff.ly/4ffU7su 4️⃣ The COP16 Opportunity: Bringing Biodiversity and Climate into Alignment? | by Harriet Bulkeley & Stacy VanDeveer - https://buff.ly/3C08qDe 5️⃣ Rethinking NGO Effectiveness: Lessons from Rwanda’s Early Childhood Development Programs | by Lyndsey McMahan, PhD, LCSW - https://buff.ly/40861At

In a climate crisis, this is alarming policy sentiment from Peter Dutton (2024), when addressing the Minerals Council recently: “I want to see more excavators digging, more gas flowing, and more trucks moving. “And that requires removing those regulatory roadblocks which have needlessly inhibited projects coming online until years after they should have started.” 🙈🙊🙉 No matter what side you sit on politically, the science is proven that fossil fuel extraction propels climate change. The World Meteorological Organization notes 2023 was the hottest year in history, and 2024 is looking to exceed that ridiculous record. We need progressive environmental, economic and social policy NOW, for future generations to thrive. ✅ Maintain the Paris Agreement commitment (that way we will have some hope of ensuring 1.5 degrees is not exceeded) ✅ Tax the fossil fuel industry properly (as the Australia Institute said in their newsletter this week, “Complaining about paying royalties as an 'impost' on the mining industry is like a baker complaining he doesn't get his flour for free.”) ✅ Invest in renewable energy (imagine if every viable car park in Australia was made of solar panels, removing the need for renewables on prime land) ✅ Investigate ways nature-based tourism can effect social, environmental and economic change in Australia, akin to Bhutan or Copenhagen. (This is a quest I’m on these next few years whilst studying an MBA Social Impact!) https://lnkd.in/geSyJEPj The Australia Institute Guardian Australia The Hon. Peter Dutton MP Tanya Plibersek Anthony Albanese Australian Ethical Investment Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Sarah Hanson-Young Monique Ryan David Pocock World Meteorological Organization

🌍 **Mining and Deforestation: A Global Climate Concern** A recent study by the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, highlights the significant environmental cost of mining, having cleared nearly 16,785 km² of forest between 2000 and 2019. This deforestation, equivalent to the size of Kuwait, has released approximately 490 million tons of CO₂, comparable to annual emissions from countries like Brazil. Key findings reveal significant forest loss, particularly in biodiverse areas such as Indonesia, Brazil, and North America, further underscoring mining’s global environmental impact. Moreover, countries like Suriname and Guyana experienced high percentages of mining-related forest loss, indicating an urgent need for sustainable practices and conservation efforts. With mining contributing to atmospheric CO₂ increases and impairing climate stabilization, the study calls for immediate global action: enforcing stricter deforestation regulations, promoting ecosystem restoration, and supporting conservation initiatives like the UN's REDD+ program. Balancing resource demands with environmental preservation is crucial to combating climate change effectively. 🌿 #Sustainability #ClimateAction #Deforestation #MiningImpact #EnvironmentalConservation

DRC Environmental Group Raises Alarm Over Mining Companies’ Neglect of Climate Resilience and Biodiversity In a letter to the DRC’s Minister of Environment, DEC20, an organization of Congolese environmental entrepreneurs, voiced deep concerns about the failure of mining companies to address climate resilience and biodiversity loss in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The group highlighted that Gécamines, a state-owned mining company, has caused severe deforestation in Luena for fossil coal extraction without implementing a reforestation plan. This has led to water pollution, the decline of earthworm populations, the disappearance of natural pollinators, and a collapse of bee colonies. DEC20 also criticized MMR (Mining…Read More Here https://lnkd.in/duEvmCt8

🌍 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought🌍 📌 On this crucial day, the Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster (ISMC) reaffirms its #commitment to sustainable practices to combat desertification. #Desertification, the degradation of arid lands, threatens #biodiversity and livelihoods #globally. 💡 Our #Sustainable #Mining Approach: 1️⃣ Land Rehabilitation: Restoring mined land to prevent degradation. 2️⃣ Water Management: Efficient use and recycling of water resources. 3️⃣ Reducing Carbon Footprint: Utilizing renewable energy and improving efficiency. 4️⃣ Community Engagement: Collaborating with local communities for sustainable benefits. By adopting and promoting sustainable mining practices, we can mitigate the adverse effects of desertification and contribute to a healthier planet. 🔝 Our Cluster is dedicated to leading this change, ensuring that our mining practices are not only economically viable but also environmentally responsible. 🌱Join Us in the Fight Against Desertification! Let's Make a Difference Today 🌱 #WorldDesertificationDay #SustainableMining #IberianMiningCluster #EnvironmentalStewardship #Sustainability #CombatDesertification