New Books Network Thea Riofrancos, "Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism" (W.W. Norton, 2025)
Sep 26, 2025
Thea Riofrancos, an Associate Professor of Political Science and climate expert, dives into the complexities of lithium mining and its environmental implications. She discusses how lithium fuels green technologies while posing ecological threats, especially in regions like the Atacama Desert. Exploring the geopolitical stakes, Riofrancos shares insights on Chile's social unrest and the struggle for a new constitution amidst mining debates. She advocates for sustainable practices and innovative policies, emphasizing the need for balance between climate action and social justice.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Why Lithium Is 'Critical'
- Lithium became central because lithium-ion batteries are vital for decarbonizing ground transportation and grid storage.
- Policymakers label elements "critical" when they are essential, security-relevant, and supply-constrained.
How The Project Began
- Riofrancos began lithium research after a friend mentioned its rising importance and she visited Chile in early 2019.
- A planned Chile-Bolivia-Argentina comparison narrowed to deep fieldwork in Chile due to logistical realities.
Atacama's Fragile Ecology
- The Atacama is a poly-extreme environment where brine deposits host microbial life and endemic species.
- Salt flats sit atop porous connections to freshwater aquifers, creating ecological and social vulnerability to mining.
