- Over 100 NGOs demand a ban on offshore oil and gas exploration at the upcoming UN Ocean Conference in Nice (June 9–13, 2025).
- OceanCare warns that seismic exploration produces extreme noise pollution, harming marine life from plankton to whales.
- France faces internal disputes over offshore drilling as ministers debate banning hydrocarbon exploitation, especially in French Guiana.
Over 100 international NGOs urge world leaders to ban offshore oil and gas exploration. They want this ban in the final declaration of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3), which will be held in Nice from June 9 to 13, 2025.
Swiss-based OceanCare leads the coalition, highlighting the environmental harm caused by offshore drilling. In a joint letter, the organisations warn that seismic exploration technologies generate extreme noise pollution. These sounds disrupt marine life, affecting species from plankton to whales. OceanCare’s Director of International Relations, Nicolas Entrup, states that such disturbances can kill aquatic animals.
The coalition also pushes for a gradual phase-out of offshore drilling. This demand aligns with commitments made at the UN Climate Conference (COP28) in Dubai last year. Global leaders agreed to move away from fossil fuels, but the current draft of the UNOC 3 declaration does not mention fossil fuel extraction.
Several European countries have already taken action. France, Spain, and Portugal outlawed offshore oil exploration in their waters. Denmark introduced strict limits. Despite these efforts, investors continue pouring billions into offshore projects, ignoring scientific warnings.
In France, the issue remains divisive. In February, Minister for Overseas Territories Manuel Valls proposed a debate on banning hydrocarbon exploitation, especially in French Guiana. Minister for Ecological Transition Agnès Pannier-Runacher opposed the proposal, exposing deep policy disagreements.
As UNOC 3 nears, environmental groups intensify their pressure on world leaders. They insist offshore drilling threatens climate goals and ocean conservation.