Why Has the Ocean Never Been Fully Explored? The Money Factor and Policy Considerations
The ocean, covering nearly 70% of our planet Earth, remains largely unexplored. The question is, why has the ocean never been fully explored? In one word: money.
Traditional Barriers and Financial Constraints
Ocean exploration is severely underfunded because it receives a lower fraction of government funding compared to other critical areas. Traditional ocean exploration requires specialized academic qualifications, access to the ocean, and expensive scientific equipment. Rigorous systematic observations and comprehensive documentation in the three dimensions of space and over time involve considerable financial investment. Competent personnel must be properly compensated to undertake such work, and some countries lack the necessary infrastructure, specialists, and expertise to support deep-sea research and management.
The Underinvestment in Ocean Science
The stark contrast between the ocean and other areas is evident when examining the amount of resources allocated. Current ocean exploration is limited; only about 20% of the ocean floor has been mapped to modern standards. There is a vast amount of information known about the surface of our Moon and the Martian surface, even though these celestial bodies are millions of miles away. In some respects, it is easier to send people to space than to the bottom of the ocean - the high pressures and utter darkness make it an extremely challenging environment to explore.
Green Energy Subsidies and Under-observation of the Ocean
The resources that could have been invested in oceanographic research are instead allocated to other areas, such as housing and healthcare. Since 2000, the world has spent more than US$5 trillion on green energy, with government subsidies running about US$200 billion annually. Over the past 20 years, more than US$1 trillion has been spent on green energy subsidies. These funds are often extracted through extra charges imposed on utility bills in various countries. This raises the question: is the ocean being under-observed and under-researched because of this prioritization of other areas?
Current State and Future Pathways
Currently, the state of ocean research and management is under-coordinated. Governments are doing an endless amount of spending on green energy, extracted through extra charges on utility bills, at the expense of taxpayer’s money. This leads to an under-observation of the ocean, which hosts enormous untapped potential for science, conservation, and economic development.
Conclusion
The exploration of the ocean is crucial for understanding and maintaining a healthy planet. Policymakers and stakeholders must recognize the importance of ocean exploration, allocate adequate funding, and coordinate efforts more effectively. By addressing these issues, we can unlock the full potential of the ocean and ensure sustainable development for future generations.