Latest news with #ArcticSunrise
Euronews
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
'Dirty fuel': Greenpeace protests fossil gas investment in Greece
The Greek Coast Guard stopped a three-hour protest by activists from the Greek office of Greenpeace at the FSRU Alexandroupolis floating liquefaction unit on Wednesday. The activists were anchored with banners reading "STOP fossil gas" and on the staircase of the terminal with banners that said "Fossil gas: not approved", aiming to send a strong message against what they say are the country's unnecessary and wasteful investments in fossil gas. Greenpeace said it didn't prevent the plant's operations and its only aim was to highlight the problem and the need for rapid decarbonisation of fossil fuels and a just transition to a zero-emission economy. Today's action comes with an urgent demand to the government: ban the construction of new fossil gas plants in Greece and phase out fossil gas by 2035. Only then do we have the chance of limiting global warming to tolerable levels and rescuing the country's vital natural resources from the climate crisis, according to the environmental organisation. "The peaceful action of our office activists sent the message that fossil gas, whether in liquid or gaseous form, is the same dirty fuel, and should have no place in our lives," says Costas Kaloudis, Climate and Energy Campaigner at Greenpeace's Greek office. "It destroys our climate, health, environment and economy. The government must immediately reconsider its stance on building new gas plants in the country." Why is Alexandroupolis FSRU a target for climate protestors? The Alexandroupolis FSRU is located in a marine protected area and is largely financed by public funds. Its presence and operation have serious implications for the present and future, as it causes greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, the most powerful greenhouse gas. It also disturbs the marine environment in the country's most important fishing ground, sucking up millions of tonnes of seawater and killing fish and other marine organisms. Along with other environmental organisations, Greenpeace has appealed to Greece's Council of State to cancel the plant's permits because of its serious environmental impacts and its contribution to the worsening climate crisis. The action is taking place as a partial reopening of the plant is expected in August, as well as a hearing of the environmental organisations' appeal in October. This peaceful action is also part of Greenpeace's Europe-wide Fossil Free Future campaign and the Stop Fossil Gas tour across Europe. The organisation's flagship ship, Arctic Sunrise, is touring European cities to raise awareness about Europe's energy system and the need for immediate decarbonisation. At the same time, it is promoting the abolition of fossil gas and a fair and gradual transition to renewable energy sources, which will allow everyone to meet their energy needs at decent prices, without harming society, the planet and the environment. The ship has visited Belgium, Italy and Croatia, and last weekend came to Greece, in Heraklion, Crete. Greenpeace has published a Europe-wide call for a ban on all new fossil gas - and fossil fuel - infrastructure projects in the EU, which has already gathered 83,000 signatures. What is Alexandroupolis FSRU? The floating storage and regasification unit - or FSRU - named Alexandroupolis, sailed from a Singapore anchorage in November 2023 and is now permanently moored 17 kilometres southwest of the port of Alexandroupolis. The FSRU is owned by Gastrade together with its shareholders Elmina Kopelouzou, Gaslog, DEPA Emporia, DESFA and Bulgartransgaz (Bulgaria's Gas Transmission Operator). In addition to the floating LNG receiving and temporary storage and gasification plant, the project includes a subsea and onshore pipeline system through which the gas is imported into Greece, transported to the National Gas Transmission System. From there it goes to final consumers in Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Romania, North Macedonia, Serbia and further to Moldova and Ukraine in the east and Hungary and Slovakia in the west. "Greece is becoming an important gateway for energy in South East Europe for gas and electricity. We are a really reliable gateway for many forms of energy and we are going to contribute to the supply and carbonisation of Greece and neighbouring countries," DESFA CEO Maria Rita Galli told Euronews in September 2024. "In general, South-Eastern Europe has remained one of the regions most dependent on Russian gas. So a new infrastructure that allows more LNG from different countries of the world to come to this market increases the resilience of Europe in general and reduces the dependence on one source of gas."
Euronews
25-06-2025
- Science
- Euronews
Threatened whale species found in areas earmarked for deep sea mining
Two areas being targeted for deep sea mining in the Pacific Ocean are home to dolphins and threatened whales, a new scientific survey reveals. Sperm whales, listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, are among the marine creatures at risk if The Metals Company's mining plans go ahead, it says. The survey by researchers from the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories has been released amid rising concerns about deep sea mining, and ahead of an International Seabed Authority (ISA) summit on the issue next month. It involved a 13-day mission by Greenpeace International's Arctic Sunrise ship to two exploration blocks in the Pacific's Clarion-Clipperton Zone (known as NORI-d and TOML-e). These blocks are held by the US company, which says it is developing the world's largest estimated source of metals for batteries. 'We already knew that the Clarion-Clipperton Zone is home to at least 20 species of cetaceans, but we've now demonstrated their presence in two areas specifically earmarked for deep sea mining by The Metals Company,' explains lead author Dr Kirsten Young of the University of Exeter. The battleground over deep sea mining The seafloor has reserves of minerals in sea mounds and nodules that proponents say are necessary to make the batteries and electronics for the green transition. But conservationists argue that mining the seafloor will do irreversible damage to precious marine environments, and that taking a circular economy approach means we shouldn't need all the cobalt, manganese and other elements to be found there. The ISA conference in Jamaica next month will seek to finalise and adopt the long-awaited Mining Code - a set of regulations governing how mineral extraction in areas beyond national seas could go ahead. Some European countries have a moratorium on deep sea mining, and Portugal has issued a binding national ban on the practice. But during this time of regulatory uncertainty, some actors have been pressing ahead. After President Trump approved deep sea mining with an executive order in April, The Metals Company applied to the US government to give it unilateral permission to commercially mine the international seabed in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. How could whales and dolphins be hurt by deep sea mining? 'The Metals Company's plans to mine the seabed in the Pacific are not only a slap in the face for multilateralism and international law, science confirms they would expose some of our most iconic, charismatic and beautiful marine life to noise and other forms of pollution if allowed to go ahead,' says Louisa Casson of Greenpeace International. Using hydrophones, the research team confirmed 74 acoustic detections of cetaceans. This included a sperm whale, Risso's dolphins and common dolphins. Cetaceans are known to be impacted by noise pollution caused by humans, and could be hurt by the significant noise expected to be created by deep sea mining operations. These operations would also generate sediment plumes, which could impact cetacean populations by disrupting deep ocean food systems, the researchers warn. 'While more research is needed to build a complete picture of the impact of the noise and sediment plumes on cetaceans, it's clear that deep sea mining operations will negatively impact ocean ecosystems in areas far out to sea where monitoring is particularly challenging,' adds Dr Kirsten Young. The UN Ocean Conference in France earlier this month saw the number of countries calling for a moratorium on deep sea mining swell to 37, with Cyprus, Latvia, Cyprus and Marshall Islands adding to the chorus of disapproval. A spokesperson for The Metal's Company comments: 'When it comes to deep-sea mining, the loudest source of noise isn't our vessels - it's activist groups determined to drown out science with speculation. 'We've long known of the occasional presence of such mammals in our contract area, with many years of in-situ acoustic monitoring alongside marine mammal observation during 2022 test mining. 'This latest paper - which echoes a near-identical paper published by the same authors on the eve of an ISA meeting only two years ago - fails to mention that verified in-field data shows that noise levels capable of influencing mammal behaviour don't travel many hundreds of kilometres - they're confined to just 3.8 kilometres.'
Scoop
24-06-2025
- Science
- Scoop
Threatened Whale Species In The Pacific Found In Areas Targeted By The Metals Company For Deep Sea Mining
Press Release – Greenpeace The survey published today in the scientific journal Frontiers in Marine Science was conducted by researchers from the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories from Greenpeace Internationals ship, Arctic Sunrise. A scientific survey of two areas targeted by The Metals Company for deep sea mining in the Pacific Ocean has confirmed the presence of whales and dolphins, including sperm whales, which are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The news comes as world governments are preparing to meet once again at the International Seabed Authority (ISA), where the call for a moratorium on deep sea mining keeps growing. The survey published today in the scientific journal Frontiers in Marine Science was conducted by researchers from the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories from Greenpeace International's ship, Arctic Sunrise. Researchers studied two exploration blocks held by The Metals Company in the Pacific's Clarion-Clipperton Zone (known as NORI-d and TOML-e) [1] [2] Dr Kirsten Young, Lead Study Author, University of Exeter, says, 'We already knew that the Clarion-Clipperton Zone is home to at least 20 species of cetaceans, but we've now demonstrated the presence of some of these species in two areas specifically earmarked for deep sea mining by The Metals Company.' Following President Trump's approval of a deep sea mining Executive Order in April 2025, The Metals Company applied to the US government to give TMC unilateral permission to commercially mine the international seabed in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. According to reports, this application covers the NORI-d area. This move bypasses and undermines the International Seabed Authority, the UN regulator for deep sea mining, which continues to prohibit commercial mining activities, and has been met with strong criticism from governments around the world. Scientists have previously warned of 'long-lasting, irreversible ' impacts of deep sea mining on the region. Cetaceans are known to be impacted by noise pollution caused by humans, and could be impacted by the significant noise expected to be created by deep sea mining operations. These operations would also generate sediment plumes, which could further impact cetacean populations by disrupting deep ocean food systems. Dr Kirsten Young continued, 'While more research is needed to build a complete picture of the impact of the noise and sediment plumes on cetaceans, it's clear that deep sea mining operations will negatively impact ocean ecosystems in areas far out to sea where monitoring is particularly challenging.' The survey provides a 13-day snapshot of cetacean activity in these two deep sea mining exploration areas. Using hydrophones, the research team confirmed 74 acoustic detections of cetaceans. This included a sperm whale, Risso's dolphins and common dolphins. Louisa Casson, Greenpeace International senior campaigner, says, 'The confirmed presence of cetaceans, including threatened sperm whales, in areas that The Metals Company is targeting for deep sea mining is yet another clear warning that this dangerous industry must never be allowed to begin commercial operations. The only sensible course of action for governments at next month's International Seabed Authority meeting is to prioritise agreeing on a global moratorium.' Greenpeace Aotearoa deep sea mining campaigner Juressa Lee adds, 'This study again highlights why deep sea mining in the Pacific must be stopped before it gets a chance to start. Deep sea mining is just the latest colonial, extractive industry that will destroy the ocean that Indigenous Pacific Peoples depend upon for their livelihoods and to which they have close relational and ancestral ties. Pacific communities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis that they have done nothing to create. They should not be sacrificed by the false solutions being peddled by wannabe deep sea miners who will wreck their homes and livelihoods, and compromise their traditional food source.' Calls for a moratorium on deep sea mining grew at the recent UN Ocean Conference, with four new countries joining the group supporting a moratorium, bringing the total to 37. The UN Secretary General also issued a strong call to stop this dangerous industry. Momentum against deep sea mining will now be carried forward at the July ISA meetings. [1] Threatened cetaceans in a potential deep seabed mining region, Clarion Clipperton Zone, Eastern Pacific: [2] This study in the Pacific is mirrored by another recent piece of research in the Arctic by Greenpeace Nordic and Greenpeace Germany. Researchers found cetaceans, including deep-diving and noise-sensitive sperm whales and northern bottlenose whales, in an area earmarked for future mining. If the Norwegian government proceeds with deep sea mining in the area, noise and other forms of pollution risk severe consequences. Greenpeace Nordic researchers are in the Arctic right now further documenting the presence of cetaceans in the area to expose the risks of deep sea mining and to champion the protection of the Arctic's vulnerable marine life.
Scoop
24-06-2025
- Science
- Scoop
Threatened Whale Species In The Pacific Found In Areas Targeted By The Metals Company For Deep Sea Mining
A scientific survey of two areas targeted by The Metals Company for deep sea mining in the Pacific Ocean has confirmed the presence of whales and dolphins, including sperm whales, which are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The news comes as world governments are preparing to meet once again at the International Seabed Authority (ISA), where the call for a moratorium on deep sea mining keeps growing. The survey published today in the scientific journal Frontiers in Marine Science was conducted by researchers from the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories from Greenpeace International's ship, Arctic Sunrise. Researchers studied two exploration blocks held by The Metals Company in the Pacific's Clarion-Clipperton Zone (known as NORI-d and TOML-e) [1] [2] Dr Kirsten Young, Lead Study Author, University of Exeter, says, "We already knew that the Clarion-Clipperton Zone is home to at least 20 species of cetaceans, but we've now demonstrated the presence of some of these species in two areas specifically earmarked for deep sea mining by The Metals Company." Following President Trump's approval of a deep sea mining Executive Order in April 2025, The Metals Company applied to the US government to give TMC unilateral permission to commercially mine the international seabed in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. According to reports, this application covers the NORI-d area. This move bypasses and undermines the International Seabed Authority, the UN regulator for deep sea mining, which continues to prohibit commercial mining activities, and has been met with strong criticism from governments around the world. Scientists have previously warned of "long-lasting, irreversible" impacts of deep sea mining on the region. Cetaceans are known to be impacted by noise pollution caused by humans, and could be impacted by the significant noise expected to be created by deep sea mining operations. These operations would also generate sediment plumes, which could further impact cetacean populations by disrupting deep ocean food systems. Dr Kirsten Young continued, "While more research is needed to build a complete picture of the impact of the noise and sediment plumes on cetaceans, it's clear that deep sea mining operations will negatively impact ocean ecosystems in areas far out to sea where monitoring is particularly challenging." The survey provides a 13-day snapshot of cetacean activity in these two deep sea mining exploration areas. Using hydrophones, the research team confirmed 74 acoustic detections of cetaceans. This included a sperm whale, Risso's dolphins and common dolphins. Louisa Casson, Greenpeace International senior campaigner, says, "The confirmed presence of cetaceans, including threatened sperm whales, in areas that The Metals Company is targeting for deep sea mining is yet another clear warning that this dangerous industry must never be allowed to begin commercial operations. The only sensible course of action for governments at next month's International Seabed Authority meeting is to prioritise agreeing on a global moratorium." Greenpeace Aotearoa deep sea mining campaigner Juressa Lee adds, "This study again highlights why deep sea mining in the Pacific must be stopped before it gets a chance to start. Deep sea mining is just the latest colonial, extractive industry that will destroy the ocean that Indigenous Pacific Peoples depend upon for their livelihoods and to which they have close relational and ancestral ties. Pacific communities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis that they have done nothing to create. They should not be sacrificed by the false solutions being peddled by wannabe deep sea miners who will wreck their homes and livelihoods, and compromise their traditional food source." Calls for a moratorium on deep sea mining grew at the recent UN Ocean Conference, with four new countries joining the group supporting a moratorium, bringing the total to 37. The UN Secretary General also issued a strong call to stop this dangerous industry. Momentum against deep sea mining will now be carried forward at the July ISA meetings. [2] This study in the Pacific is mirrored by another recent piece of research in the Arctic by Greenpeace Nordic and Greenpeace Germany. Researchers found cetaceans, including deep-diving and noise-sensitive sperm whales and northern bottlenose whales, in an area earmarked for future mining. If the Norwegian government proceeds with deep sea mining in the area, noise and other forms of pollution risk severe consequences. Greenpeace Nordic researchers are in the Arctic right now further documenting the presence of cetaceans in the area to expose the risks of deep sea mining and to champion the protection of the Arctic's vulnerable marine life.
Scoop
03-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
French Authorities Block Greenpeace Ship From Participating In UN Ocean Conference
French authorities have blocked Greenpeace International's ship Arctic Sunrise from entering the port of Nice, where the "One Ocean Science Congress" and the UN Ocean Conference are being hosted. This was retaliation against Greenpeace France, highlighting the weaknesses of the French network of Marine Protected Areas last month in the Mediterranean Sea, in an expedition on board the Arctic Sunrise. Greenpeace International will write a formal letter of complaint to the United Nations, deploring the behaviour of the hosting French government. Civil society participation is a core element of the UN Ocean Conference. The presence of the Arctic Sunrise in Nice would coincide with the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior by French secret services in Auckland. Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Ellie Hooper says, "It's ironic that so close to the 40th anniversary of the French Government's attempt to silence Greenpeace here in Auckland by bombing the Rainbow Warrior, the French Government is again trying to shut us down by blocking our ship from entering Nice." "But just like we were not silenced then, neither will we be silenced now. Climate change, ecosystem collapse, and accelerating species extinction pose an existential threat, and our work has never been more important." The Arctic Sunrise had been invited by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to participate in the "One Ocean Science Congress" and in the Ocean wonders parade taking place right before the UN Ocean Conference. Greenpeace International had intended to deliver the messages of three million people calling for a moratorium on deep sea mining to the politicians attending the conference. The ship's entry to Nice has now been blocked. Mads Christensen, Greenpeace International's Executive Director, says, "The French authorities' attempt to silence fair criticism ahead of this UN Ocean Conference is clearly a political decision and is utterly unacceptable. Greenpeace and our ships have been working peacefully to protect the oceans for decades. The Arctic Sunrise highlighted the failure of the French government to properly protect its Marine Protected Areas - where bottom trawling is still permitted - and now we are being punished. "France wants this to be a moment where they present themselves as saviours of the oceans, while they want to silence any criticism of their own failures in national waters. We will not be silenced. We believe the voices of the three million calling for a stop to deep sea mining must be heard in Nice. Greenpeace and the French government share the same objective to get a moratorium on deep sea mining, which makes the ban of the Arctic Sunrise from Nice even more absurd." Millions of people around the world have joined Greenpeace's campaign to stop deep sea mining from starting. In 2023, the Arctic Sunrise crew took action at sea to bear witness to the threat of the deep sea mining industry. They peacefully protested against The Metals Company, which had been publicly accused of "environmental piracy" by the French government a few weeks ago, given their attempt to bypass international law by requesting an exploitation permit through President Trump's administration. Right now, the Rainbow Warrior is in the Tasman Sea to expose the damage being done to ocean life there and will be in New Zealand to mark the anniversary of the bombing in Auckland on 10 July. Onboard photographer Fernando Pereira died in the attack, which came soon after Operation Exodus, in which the Greenpeace flagship had evacuated victims of American nuclear tests on Rongelap Atoll and was preparing to oppose French nuclear tests on Mururoa Atoll. Following the first-ever deep sea mining licence application by The Metals Company to the United States, Greenpeace says that now is the time to resist and stop this industry from starting. This UN Ocean Conference will be a key moment to galvanise support ahead of the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority, the UN regulator.
