Dear John,

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver aired a powerful segment examining the critical issue of deep-sea mining last Sunday.

If you haven’t heard about deep-sea mining, you will soon.

As companies and countries seek high-value minerals, they’re looking at the bottom of the ocean — where environmental damage can devastate ocean health and marine life.

Earthworks has been working to protect marine ecosystems from deep-sea mining. We are a member of the Steering Group of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, which advocates for a global moratorium.

The episode offers a compelling analysis of what’s at stake if we proceed with mining the deep ocean.

As John Oliver notes:

“It’s beyond time that we stop treating the deep ocean as something to exploit and start treating it for what it really is: a mind-blowingly vast, virtually unknown world within our world.”

▶️WATCH THE EPISODE ON Last Week Tonight with John Oliver 📺

Oliver explores alternatives to mineral-intensive batteries and exposes the conflicts of interest among those responsible for protecting our high seas while simultaneously issuing licenses to corporations eager to exploit these resources.

Most of us never think about the bottom of the ocean.

But your friends and family — and the world — need to know about the risks posed by deep-sea mining.

Oliver’s segment is an eye-opener and a must-see for anyone concerned about our planet’s future.

▶️WATCH THE EPISODE ON Last Week Tonight with John Oliver 📺

Thank you for your support and commitment to protecting our oceans and planet from irresponsible mining.

In solidarity,

Payal Sampat
Mining Program Director
Earthworks