Ecological imperialism

Stakeholder capitalism
Green colonialism

Nature

The ‘green’ agenda based on a ‘stakeholder capitalism’ strategy (governments and others facilitating the needs of private capital) has co-opted genuine concerns about the environment to pursue new multi-billion-dollar global investment opportunities.

Claim

If you read 2020 report Nature for Sale, by Friends of the Earth, you might conclude that we are witnessing a type of green imperialism that is using genuine concerns about the
environment to pursue a familiar agenda of extractivism, colonisation and commodification – the same old mindset, greenwashed and rolled out for public consumption. For some, things seem set to remain the same – business as usual.

Counter-claim

Ecological imperialism is often overstated and distracts from pressing global issues. While environmental concerns are valid, the notion of ecological imperialism exaggerates the impact of colonial histories on current ecological crises. Many societies have adapted and thrived despite historical challenges. Focusing on this concept diverts attention from practical solutions to contemporary environmental problems, such as climate change and pollution. We should prioritize actionable strategies rather than getting bogged down in theoretical debates about the past.