UN Ocean Conference Advances High Seas Treaty, Plastics Pact with 95 Nations

The UN Ocean Conference concluded with progress on the High Seas Treaty and a growing call for a moratorium on deep sea mining, with 37 countries supporting the pause, including concerns about The Metals Company's plans to mine oceans with support from President Trump. Greenpeace emphasized the need for tangible government action following the conference, urging a commitment to stop deep sea mining at the upcoming International Seabed Authority meeting. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised over the nonprofit As You Sow's creation of a for-profit company benefiting from ESG policies it helped advocate, highlighting potential conflicts between nonprofit advocacy and private profit. In the UK, the Green Party is facing a leadership challenge as it seeks to leverage its historic parliamentary gains to influence government and policy, debating whether to maintain a radical message or play a more traditional political role. Simultaneously, public interest in eco-conscious living is rising in Britain, with nearly half of adults wanting to adopt greener habits and 42% eager to participate in community green initiatives, often influenced by recommendations from friends and family.