Must-read recap: The New Lede's top stories

Deep sea mining has potential to greatly disrupt many deep-sea habitats; EPA acts to phase out "super pollutants" used in refrigerators.

Deep sea mining has larger-than-expected impacts on sea life, study says

The fast-growing practice of deep-sea mining poses significant threats to important sea creatures, such as fish, shrimp, corals, and sponges, according to a new study. 

Researchers say they found evidence that disturbances caused by deep-sea mining can slash populations of nearby ocean animals roughly in half and impact marine life across larger areas than scientists have previously thought.  

The study, published July 14 in Current Biology, adds to evidence that mining the deep ocean for minerals used to make electric vehicles and renewable energy components has harmful ecological impacts that must be weighed against the climate benefits of transitioning away from fossil fuels. 

Although deep sea mining may be one way to meet the world’s growing demand for certain metals, “it also has the potential to greatly disrupt many deep-sea habitats,” the new paper states. (Read the rest of the story.)

EPA acts to phase out “super pollutants” used in refrigerators

US regulators issued a final rule last week aimed at slashing the use of a highly potent greenhouse gas found in refrigerators and air conditioners.

The move by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which will take effect next year, marks the agency’s latest move towards phasing down production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 2028.

“This rulemaking is a critical next step in the Biden-Harris Administration’s ambitious plans to phase down climate super-pollutants and ensure the United States leads the way as countries around the world implement the Kigali Amendment,” Joe Goffman, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, said in a press release.

Research suggests rapidly transitioning away from HFCs could help prevent up to 0.5°C of warming by 2100. (Read the rest of the story.)