In the coming years, we'll need millions of batteries: batteries to store renewable electricity and power a massive fleet of electric vehicles. But those batteries will require certain metals, and those metals have to be mined. And the mining industry can be a mess, sometimes associated with deforestation, child labor, and deadly floods of toxic waste. Is there a better way? Today we journey to the bottom of the ocean to find out. Along the way, we discover a massive government conspiracy and meet an adorable octopus.

Calls to Action:

Keep up to date on deep-sea mining news with the Deep-Sea Mining Observer.

Learn more about calls for a moratorium on deep-sea mining with the Deep-Sea Mining Science Statement.

Check out the Ocean Forum's Ocean Justice Platform (shout-out to our former co-host, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson!)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices