Latin America: Neo-Extractivism and Resistance Movements

🌍 In the last 15-20 years, there has been an emergence of neo-extractivism in Latin America, characterized by the exportation of nature.

💰 During the first period, there was significant economic growth and poverty reduction in Latin America due to the boom in commodity prices.

🌱 The second period saw a rise in environmental conflicts and the proliferation of extractive projects, leading to the formation of ecological and indigenous resistance movements.

🌎 The export-oriented economies of certain countries, such as Ecuador, Venezuela, and Argentina, have experienced significant economic crises due to the specialization in the export of soy and iron ore, exacerbated by the increased demand for raw materials and energy in the current phase of capitalism.

🌿 The extractive industries not only lead to ecosystem destruction and displacement but also result in the criminalization of communities. This phase of capitalism coincides with the global socio-ecological crisis, highlighting the impacts of different forms of extractivism on both territories and public health.

🚺 The extreme forms of extractivism, particularly in the mining and oil sectors, have historically masculinized territories and perpetuated the exploitation of women through prostitution, human trafficking, and sexual slavery. Women have emerged as important leaders in the resistance against extractivism.

🌍 In Latin America, there has been an increase in violence against women and an explosion of extreme energy extraction, such as fracking, offshore drilling, and heavy oil extraction.

💥 The expansion of extreme energy extraction in Latin America is driven by the maintenance of a consumption model imposed by wealthier nations, which promotes a highly destructive and unsustainable way of utilizing natural resources.

💡 It is crucial to not only question the mode of resource appropriation but also challenge the hegemonic consumption model and the rapid production and circulation of goods driven by capitalism.

🌍 Latin American societies have been exporters of nature and are now facing a socio-environmental crisis.

💰 China's growing population and demand for commodities has contributed to the unsustainable expansion of capital.

🍽️ The change in the global food system, controlled by large corporations, has led to environmental and health impacts.

💡 The defense of life has become fundamental in Latin America, with vulnerable populations resisting mining, expansion of oil production, and agrochemicals.

🌍 Resistant movements in Latin America are fighting against the expansion of extractive industries that require significant amounts of water and energy, leading to environmental and health impacts.

🔒 These resistance movements are challenging the hegemonic development model and promoting a different conception of democracy centered around the value and reproduction of life.

⚠️ Latin America has high levels of inequality and activist killings.

🌍 The expansion of land and the concentration of power by corporations is a concerning issue globally.

🌱 The current development model in Latin America is destructive to the environment and contributes to a global crisis.

🌍 Latin America has historically been an exporter of natural resources, which has shaped its economic model and relationship with the world.

💡 The belief that exploiting natural resources can lead to development is challenged, as it is crucial to leave resources underground to ensure a sustainable transition.

🌱 Local resistance movements are emerging, promoting alternative ways of caring for the environment and living sustainably.