Climate Politics
Trump’s Push For Deep-Sea Metals Clashes With UN Ocean Treaty
In addition to Canada and Greenland, the US president is targeting the international seabed as a source for minerals needed for green technology. Here’s what to know.
One of The Metals Company's exploration vessels.
Source: Richard BaronTakeaways NEW
President Donald Trump first set his sights on Canada and Greenland’s mineral resources. Now he’s eyeing the global seabed that holds vast troves of critical metals for green technologies but is controlled by a United Nations-affiliated organization.
Trump may be unlikely to gain dominion over Canada or Greenland, but he’s vying to supersede the UN treaty that governs nations’ use of the ocean, potentially with far-reaching consequences for untouched and biodiverse deep sea ecosystems targeted for exploitation.