Thea (Theria) Riofrancos

Thea Riofrancos, a political scientist and author of "Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism," discusses the complexities of lithium extraction essential for green technology. She critiques the mining industry's volatility and colonial legacies while exploring the environmental impact of electric vehicles. Meanwhile, Alyssa Battistoni, an assistant professor and author of "Free Gifts," delves into the political economy of nature, arguing for a rethinking of our relationship with ecosystems and advocating for socialized commons management.

Thea Riofrancos, a political scientist and environmentalist, discusses her book on lithium extraction and its geopolitical implications. She reveals how lithium, essential for modern tech and the green transition, shapes global power dynamics. Thea highlights Latin America's resource nationalism, the community impacts of mining, and the contrasting strategies of the US and China in securing lithium supply. She critiques assumptions about rising demand, advocating for policy shifts to reduce reliance on mining. This compelling exploration merges environmentalism with politics.