New Books in Science, Technology, and Society
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 deep into the dark underbelly of the petrochemical industry in her book, 'Petrochemical Planet.' She highlights the environmental injustices faced by marginalized communities, such as those in Louisiana's Cancer Alley, and the psychological toll of living near industrial sites. Mah showcases grassroots activism, particularly in China, and emphasizes the urgent need for multi-scalar solutions and rethinking planetary politics to combat environmental crises and foster resilience.
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Quick takeaways
- The petrochemical industry significantly contributes to environmental crisis and injustice, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities like those in Louisiana's Cancer Alley.
- Multi-scalar activism underscores the importance of collective efforts across diverse movements to address the health and environmental impacts of petrochemicals.
Deep dives
The Invisible Impact of Petrochemicals
The petrochemical industry is an often-overlooked aspect of the broader environmental crisis, despite its substantial effects on the planet. Most people are familiar with the oil and plastic industries but may not understand that approximately 80% of petrochemicals are utilized in plastics. This industry is a significant contributor to pollution and health hazards, functioning in a manner that often keeps its harmful impacts obscured from public view. The ethical and political motivations behind exploring this topic stem from a desire to raise awareness about the complex dynamics of petrochemicals and the pressing need to address their detrimental effects on the environment.
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