Antiextractivists

Antiextractivism is a term used to describe a range of social and political movements and ideologies that oppose extractive industries. These industries, such as mining, oil and gas drilling, logging, and large-scale agriculture, are characterized by the removal of natural resources from the earth. Antiextractivist movements often arise in response to the perceived negative environmental, social, and economic consequences of these activities.

Key concerns of antiextractivist movements include environmental degradation, such as deforestation, water pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. They also highlight the social impacts, which can include displacement of indigenous communities, human rights abuses, and increased social conflict. Economically, antiextractivism often critiques the dependency on resource extraction, arguing that it can lead to volatile economies, corruption, and a lack of diversification.

The movements employ various strategies to achieve their goals. These can include direct action, such as protests and blockades, as well as legal challenges, political lobbying, and advocacy for alternative economic models. Antiextractivism is not a monolithic ideology; it encompasses diverse perspectives and approaches, often drawing from environmentalism, indigenous rights activism, and theories of social justice. The term is particularly prevalent in Latin America, where many resource-rich nations have experienced significant impacts from extractive industries.