New Books in Critical Theory
Alice Mah, "Petrochemical Planet: Multiscalar Battles of Industrial Transformation" (Duke UP, 2023)
Aug 8, 2024
Alice Mah, a Professor in Urban and Environmental Studies at the University of Glasgow, dives into the intricate battles surrounding the petrochemical industry. She discusses the environmental injustices faced by marginalized communities, spotlighting compelling case studies like Cancer Alley. The conversation highlights local activism in cities such as Nanjing and Guangzhou, contrasting it with global ecological movements. Mah calls for systemic changes in the petrochemical sector, emphasizing the urgent need for decarbonization and the integration of indigenous knowledge for a sustainable future.
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Quick takeaways
- The petrochemical industry contributes significantly to environmental degradation and health hazards, while its impacts on marginalized communities often remain hidden from public view.
- Environmental justice movements, rooted in the struggles of vulnerable populations, highlight and challenge the inequities perpetuated by the petrochemical sector on both local and global scales.
Deep dives
The Hidden Impact of Petrochemicals
The petrochemical industry plays a crucial yet largely overlooked role in environmental degradation and social injustice. While many are aware of the oil industry's effects, few recognize that petrochemicals, which constitute 80% of plastic production, are often invisible to the public. Research reveals that the industry is expanding despite its harmful environmental footprint, leading to serious pollution and health hazards in communities near production sites. There is a pressing need to tell the story of petrochemicals, highlighting their complexities and the crises they contribute to, encompassing both ecological and social dimensions.
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