We’re not all in this together: How colonialist practices are shaping the impact of climate change
Aug 9, 2023
auto_awesome
This podcast explores how colonialist practices and climate change are devastating poorer countries in the global south. It discusses the catastrophic effects of these factors on Pakistan's waterways and irrigation network, as well as the misgovernance, poverty, and inequality caused by colonialism in the global south. The podcast also challenges the flawed concept of unity in relation to climate change and highlights the impact of the global factory system. Additionally, it touches on menopause in animal species and provides book recommendations on sustainable consumption.
29:30
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Countries in the global south, like Pakistan, are disproportionately affected by climate change due to colonialist practices and political forces.
Wealthy countries export climate breakdown to the global south through carbon colonialism, burdening these regions with pollution and exploitation.
Deep dives
The Role of Climate Change in Devastating Floods in Pakistan
Severe heat waves and melting glaciers caused a rise in water levels in Pakistan, leading to devastating floods. The effects of climate change, combined with colonialist practices and political forces, are contributing to the vulnerability of poor countries in the global south, such as Pakistan. These countries bear the brunt of severe weather events caused by carbon emissions. The history of British colonial rule, the United States, and international organizations have shaped Pakistan's waterways and irrigation network, which is struggling to cope with climate shifts. Climate unpredictability and lack of funds for flood-resistant infrastructure further exacerbate the crisis.
Colonialist Practices in Water Governance
British colonial rule, the United States, and international organizations played a significant role in shaping Pakistan's waterways and irrigation network. The Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960, sought to resolve water control disputes between India and Pakistan. American construction companies were involved in building dams and canals in Pakistan as part of a Cold War tactic to showcase US modernization and influence. Many political decisions in water management, such as displacement of communities for infrastructure, are driven by national priorities and interests. However, challenges arise in managing water systems due to climate change and the need for costly adaptation measures.
Carbon Colonialism and Environmental Impacts
Carbon colonialism refers to the unequal distribution of environmental impacts and benefits shaped by economic conditions. Wealthier countries export climate breakdown to poorer countries in the global South through practices like carbon credits and carbon outsourcing. The global factory system, which spans multiple borders, moves industries with high carbon emissions to the global South, burdening these regions with pollution and exploitation. The garment industry and brick industry are exemplars of this exploitative system. Greenwashing by large corporations and the need for taxes on fossil fuels and wealthier individuals are highlighted as potential solutions. Recognizing the historical and material connectedness of global inequality is crucial for addressing climate breakdown and working towards genuine sustainability.
Colonialist practices, past and present, combined with climate change are having catastrophic effects on poorer countries in the global south. In this episode, Sam and Deboki talk with experts about how and why that’s the case and unpack two major examples of this impact: the 2022 Pakistan floods and the global factory, particularly the garment industry. Laurie Parson's book is here. The organizations he suggests at the end of the episode are Fashion Revolution, Clean Clothes Campaign, and Transform Trade.