UK (Parliament Politic Magazine) – An enormous inflatable octopus, surpassing the size of a double-decker bus, emerged from the waters of the Thames River, positioned just outside the Houses of Parliament. It made a resounding call for a fundamental shift in the UK government’s approach to safeguarding the oceans.
Despite the recent positive announcement that the government will support a moratorium on deep-sea mining, there remains a concerning declaration by the government to postpone the ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty until after the upcoming general election.
This treaty serves as a pivotal milestone in establishing legally binding commitments for ocean conservation. In parallel, government ministers have given their approval for a slew of new oil and gas licenses in the North Sea, posing a grave threat to both marine ecosystems and our climate.
Octopus Emerged at The Riverbank
The colossal octo-activist, measuring 7 meters by 20 meters, was strategically positioned on the riverbank at the base of Big Ben. This placement was orchestrated by Greenpeace UK’s co-executive director, Will McCallum, and it took place one week prior to the King’s Speech, a significant event that signals the government’s agenda and priorities for the upcoming year. Alongside Will McCallum, additional Greenpeace activists sailed alongside the Thames in two small boats, displaying hand banners bearing the message “Protect the Oceans.”
The non-governmental organization (NGO) contends that unless the government incorporates legislation for the ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty into the upcoming King’s Speech and promptly reverses its position on the expansion of fossil fuels, it jeopardizes its legacy of advocating for ocean protection and its commitment to safeguarding at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
Fiona Nicholls, Greenpeace UK Oceans Campaigner says:
“We’ve brought our giant deep sea octo-activist to Westminster to demand a sea change in the government’s approach to ocean protection because right now, all we’re seeing is inconsistency. The UK has championed the Global Ocean Treaty and just announced its backing for a moratorium on deep sea mining.
Activation of Global Ocean Treaty
The activation of the Global Ocean Treaty is contingent upon the passage of this treaty into law by at least 60 countries, with it entering into force 120 days after that milestone is reached. Any postponement in this process would have a direct and adverse effect on the establishment of ocean sanctuaries, which are vital for the protection of marine life. Independent legal counsel, provided by Maya Lester KC at Brick Court Chambers and sought by Greenpeace, affirms that the swift ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty into UK law can be accomplished in alignment with government policy during the forthcoming Parliamentary session.
The approval of 27 new oil and gas licenses by the government this week represents not only a grave threat to the climate but also an immediate and detrimental impact on marine life. Recent findings unearthed by Greenpeace Unearthed in the previous month have shown that chronic oil spills are causing daily harm to ocean habitats, with over half of the oil spilled by UK offshore oil and gas operations over the past decade finding its way into marine protected areas. The combustion of oil and gas contributes to an increase in heat and carbon absorption by the oceans.
Introducing a New Yearly System for Oil and Gas Licensing
If the Prime Minister’s plan, as reports suggest, involves using the King’s Speech to introduce a new yearly system for oil and gas licensing, it would constitute more than just a breach of climate commitments; it would also pose a substantial risk to ocean conservation and undermine the government’s reputation as a leader in ocean protection. Will McCallum, the co-Executive Director of Greenpeace UK, expressed:
“I’m ascending the steps of Parliament today alongside our colossal octo-activist to ensure that the government receives our message loud and clear. While endorsing a moratorium on deep-sea mining is a positive step, the government’s decision to delay the ratification of the Global Ocean Treaty and maintain an aggressive stance toward expanding new oil and gas operations significantly undermines its assertion of being leaders in ocean protection.
Each delay in implementing the Global Ocean Treaty and every new oil and gas license issued not only jeopardizes the climate but also places the delicate marine ecosystems at an even greater risk, pushing them closer to the precipice of irreversible harm.