As we know, the transition to renewables will not come without an environmental cost. Batteries, EV, solar panels and many other products require rare metals - many of which are to be fund in the Ocean.

Companies keen to scrape the ocean floor 5,000 to 6,000 metres below sea level stand to earn billions harvesting manganese, cobalt, copper and nickel. Currently, about 20 research institutes or companies hold exploration contracts in the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

However, mining - wherever it happens - often comes with very high social and environmental impacts. Some Pacific countries have expressed their concern at the UN Ocean Conference. Palau and Fiji - backed by Samoa, Tuvalu and the Solomon Islands - have initiated an uphill battle against the deep-sea mining of unattached, fist-sized rocks rich in rare earth metals.

To many's surprise, French president Macron seemed in favour of a total ban on deep-sea mining.