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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Sue Farran
This is the authors' accepted manuscript of a conference proceedings (inc. abstract) that has been published in its final definitive form by Dundee Just Transition Hub, 2023.
For re-use rights please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions.
One of the panaceas touted for reducing global warming is a transition to electric vehicles. This may, however, come at an unjust environmental cost. This is because the demand for the rare metals and minerals required to make electric vehicle batteries may outstrip current supply: new sources will need to be found. One alternative is mining the necessary metals and minerals from the deep seabed. The location of these minerals is in the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of states, including small island states, developing states and coastal states, and in deep under sea trenches in areas beyond national jurisdiction: the global commons. There are major challenges to ensuring that this transition is just. Firstly, because the current international legal framework governing the extraction of these resources from the deep seabed are inadequate. Secondly, because too little is known about the interdependent ecosystems and biodiversity of these areas of our planet. Thirdly, because the adverse impact of the process of deep-sea mining on these systems and on wider marine and coastal human and natural communities is unknown. Finally, because those likely to be most adversely affected by any negative consequences are least likely to benefit from the shift to electric vehicles.
Author(s): Farran S
Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)
Publication status: Published
Conference Name: Just Transition, Security and Law Conference 2023
Year of Conference: 2023
Online publication date: 19/05/2023
Acceptance date: 02/04/2018
Date deposited: 21/05/2023
Publisher: Dundee Just Transition Hub
URL: https://www.dundee.ac.uk/issr/just-transition-conference-2023
Notes: This paper was selected through a competitive process and reflects previous work published in The Conversation and the Environmental Law Review.
