The ocean floor contains valuable minerals. Should we leave them there? | Sandor Mulsow | TEDxPerth

Summary

The transcript tells the story of an individual's transformative journey from aspiring scientist to marine geologist, with a focus on the importance of protecting the deep sea and its ecosystems. It highlights significant life events, including the tragic loss of a sibling and a personal battle with an autoimmune disease, which led to a shift towards art and activism. The speaker urges the audience to protect the ocean's resources, stressing the interconnectedness of the environment and humanity's dependence on the sea. The ultimate message is about making geoethical decisions to preserve the ocean for future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker's journey began with a childhood interest in science, but personal tragedies, including the death of a brother, shifted their focus.
• 😀 At 14 years old, the speaker briefly considered becoming a monk before realizing that it wasn't the answer to their search for meaning.
• 😀 The speaker transitioned into becoming a marine geologist, traveling the world to study the ocean floor and advocating for deep-sea conservation.
• 😀 Through their career, the speaker became involved with the International Seabed Authority, where they witnessed conflicts over the mining of the deep sea.
• 😀 A personal health challenge—diagnosis of an autoimmune disease—shifted the speaker’s focus to art and music, leading to the co-composition of a symphony.
• 😀 The speaker co-composed a symphony in collaboration with composer Sergio Berchenko, despite not being a trained musician, by channeling their knowledge of science.
• 😀 The ocean, especially the deep sea, is presented as a vital but underappreciated aspect of our planet's health and ecosystems.
• 😀 The concept of 'common heritage of mankind' is introduced, emphasizing that the deep-sea resources, such as manganese nodules, are a shared responsibility for all of humanity.
• 😀 The speaker warns that the deep sea is at risk of exploitation for mining, particularly through contracts issued by the International Seabed Authority that overlook environmental protection.
• 😀 The speaker stresses the importance of geoethical decision-making, urging people to reflect on their moral responsibility to protect the planet and its ecosystems for future generations.

Q & A

What event in the speaker's life led to a significant shift in their perspective?

The tragic death of the speaker's elder brother in a car accident had a profound impact, prompting them to search for answers and meaning in life.

Why did the speaker initially consider becoming a monk?

At the age of 14, after the death of their brother, the speaker thought becoming a monk might provide the answers they were seeking, so they went to a Benedictine monastery in Santiago, Chile.

How did the speaker transition from wanting to be a monk to becoming a marine geologist?

The speaker eventually realized that becoming a monk was not the answer they were looking for. Instead, their deep connection to the ocean led them to become a marine geologist, a field that allowed them to combine their love for science and the sea.

What is the speaker's connection to the deep sea and environmental protection?

The speaker has worked extensively in environmental management, focusing on protecting the deep sea, particularly against potential mining exploitation. They served as the director of the Office of Environmental Management and Marine Resources of the International Seabed Authority.

What was the conflict the speaker experienced at the International Seabed Authority?

The speaker encountered a conflict with their boss, the Secretary General of the International Seabed Authority, as their views on protecting the deep sea clashed with the increasing push for exploitation of its resources.

What is the significance of the 'Common Heritage of Mankind' in the context of the deep sea?

The 'Common Heritage of Mankind' refers to the deep sea and its resources, which are considered the shared heritage of all humanity. No one nation or entity owns these resources, and they must be protected for the benefit of future generations.

What are manganese nodules, and why are they important in this context?

Manganese nodules are mineral deposits found on the ocean floor. They contain valuable metals like nickel, copper, and cobalt, which are sought after for mining. The speaker emphasizes that these nodules belong to all of humanity, and any exploitation of them should be carefully regulated to ensure the protection of the environment.

What environmental impact does deep-sea mining have on the ocean floor?

Deep-sea mining has devastating environmental consequences, including the destruction of marine ecosystems. When mining occurs, it disrupts the ocean floor, causing long-lasting damage to microbial life, biodiversity, and the delicate balance of the deep-sea ecosystem.

How does the speaker view the role of the International Seabed Authority in deep-sea mining?

The speaker criticizes the International Seabed Authority for prioritizing exploitation over protection. They point out that the institution is failing to protect the deep sea, as it has increasingly supported mining activities rather than focusing on conservation efforts.

What is the speaker's message regarding geoethics and the future of the deep sea?

The speaker advocates for geoethical decisions, emphasizing the need for humanity to consider the ethical implications of our actions on the environment. They call for a change in lifestyle and decision-making to ensure the deep sea and its ecosystems are protected for future generations.