Resistance of Resource Removal: A Broad Review of Instances of Extractivism in Latin and South America

Author: Jordan Riak

Field of Study: Undeclared

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Matthew Cole

Easel: 92

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: Extractivist practices have been used by humans as a profitable, albeit incredibly damaging, means of resource obtainment and has become the dominant practice performed by most corporations. This project aims to examine a wide variety of extractivism instances from mining, deforestation and agriculture in Latin and South America. The research will be gathered by examining numerous case studies to demonstrate the disproportionate damages caused by extractivism to frontline communities and ecosystems. This research will also examine the biodiversity and habitat loss directly caused by extractivism. These perspectives will reveal how extractivism is not just isolated instances of ecocide, but an institutionalized and layered process. Furthermore, this project will look into the effectiveness of resistance movements and how they challenge extractivism. The project will expose the unethical nature ingrained into extractivism practices, and the necessity of moving away from such practices for the sake of human wellbeing and environmental sustainability.