As the push to mine the ocean floor gathers steam, spearheaded by an ambitious corporation with Trump’s backing, we find ourselves at a precarious crossroads. This latest endeavor, described by its proponents as a necessary stride for technological advancement, promises access to vast reserves of nickel and cobalt beneath the Pacific Ocean [1]. Yet, the true cost of this venture extends far beyond environmental concerns, echoing the heat traps and social divides observed in cities plagued by inequitable policies. Anthropologists, who interpret urban landscapes as reflections of power dynamics, warn that the consequences of deep-sea mining could mirror the stark inequalities seen above ground. As history has shown, the benefits are likely to favor the few, while the risks are shared by all.
Anthropologically speaking, human societies display an entrenched pattern of exploiting natural resources with little regard for long-term consequences. This tendency is not new but is amplified by modern technological capacities that expand our reach into previously untouched realms, such as the ocean floor. The pursuit of deep-sea mining is a contemporary manifestation of this age-old behavior—a pursuit that, on the surface, promises economic gain and resource security but often overlooks the broader systemic impacts on both ecosystems and societal structures. The narrative being promoted by the company and its allies, including Trump, is one of progress and necessity [1].
They argue that the vast quantities of nickel and cobalt are essential for producing batteries and renewable energy technologies, presenting deep-sea mining as a key to a sustainable future. However, this rhetoric conveniently glosses over the ecological devastation and potential disruption to marine life that such activities entail [1]. Moreover, it mirrors the historical narrative of colonial exploitation, where the extraction of resources disproportionately benefits powerful entities at the expense of the environment and communities. As cities bake under the relentless summer sun, the heat maps of urban areas reveal a stark truth: the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation are not felt equally.
Redlined neighborhoods, often home to marginalized communities, are consistently hotter due to lack of tree cover and green spaces [n]. This phenomenon is a direct result of policy decisions that prioritize some areas over others—a policy failure that anthropologists recognize as a form of systemic inequality. The same principle applies to the ocean. Just as tree-equity programs demonstrate that shade is a matter of policy, not chance, the governance of our oceans requires intentional policies that prioritize the protection and equitable distribution of marine resources.
The notion that deep-sea mining will bring prosperity to all is misleading. Much like urban development projects that displace disadvantaged communities for the benefit of real estate moguls, deep-sea mining is poised to enrich corporations while local communities and ecosystems bear the brunt of its impacts [2]. The profits will likely be reaped by shareholders and executives, while the potential devastation to marine biodiversity and the global commons remains a shared burden. This is a reminder that, similar to the heat in urban centers, the environmental impacts of resource extraction do not recognize economic boundaries.
A parallel can be drawn to Japan’s ambitions to become a rare earth power, which similarly involve the exploitation of natural resources but with a focus on terrestrial mining [3]. Even as nations chase the promise of technological advancement and economic growth, the risks of environmental harm and social inequity loom large. The lesson from Japan’s initiatives is clear: the pursuit of power and resources must be tempered with foresight and responsibility. However, hope is not lost.
The growing recognition among policymakers and citizens alike that equitable resource management is essential for sustainable development marks a positive shift. Initiatives such as the UN Ocean Summit aim to foster dialogue and cooperation on ocean conservation, emphasizing the importance of protecting marine ecosystems [4]. These platforms offer a crucial opportunity to advocate for policies that ensure the benefits of ocean resources are shared equitably, rather than monopolized by a select few. To cool both our planet and its tempers, we must rethink our approach to resource extraction.
The path forward lies not in the unchecked exploitation of our planet’s depths, but in the implementation of policies that align economic development with environmental stewardship and social equity. Just as tree-equity programs in cities have shown that change is possible through intentional action, so too can we chart a course toward a more just and sustainable use of our oceanic resources. By engaging diverse stakeholders and prioritizing the health of our global commons, we can turn the tide toward a future where prosperity is shared and our planet’s natural treasures are preserved for generations to come.
Sources
- This company wants to be the first to mine the ocean floor, with Trump's help (NPR, 2025-06-30T10:00:00Z)
- The Ocean Still Holds Mysteries. That’s Why We Must Save It (Time, 2025-06-30T17:13:35Z)
- Can Japan Become a Rare Earth Power? (Newsonjapan.com, 2025-07-01T03:38:01Z)
- What really is a UN Ocean Summit? (National Observer, 2025-06-27T09:09:06Z)
