Beyond Extractivism

Source: Feasta

Working towards a sufficiency-based approach to the extraction and use of resources

Feasta is working with partner organisations to identify and address the economic dynamics that are encouraging the current rush to mineral prospecting and mining, both in Ireland and elsewhere.

While it is clear that everyone on the planet needs access to a certain amount of energy and resources in order to live a dignified life, we believe it is dangerously erroneous to assume that overall energy and resource use must (and can) therefore remain at its present high level.

Rather than planning for a massive expansion in minerals mining in order to achieve decarbonisation, we advocate a sufficiency-focussed approach which focuses on ensuring that our energy and resource needs can be met within planetary boundaries, while emphasising the rights of communities to say no to mining.

Feasta member Emma Karran is a representative of the Environmental Pillar on the Advisory Group on Irish State policy on mineral prospecting and mining.

Our Beyond Extractivism group was launched in February 2023, with the event “Mining, Minerals and Limits: Grounding the Green Transition”, which Feasta co-hosted along with the Campaign Against Injustice in Mining and Futureproof Clare.

Some other useful links:

Save Our Sperrins
European Environmental Bureau
Catapa

Note: Feasta is a forum for exchanging ideas. By posting on its site Feasta agrees that the ideas expressed by authors are worthy of consideration. However, there is no one ‘Feasta line’. The views of the article do not necessarily represent the views of all Feasta members. 

https://www.feasta.org/2023/03/30/beyond-extractivism/