Hydrocarbon Extraction: A Critique Through the Lens of Degrowth

By degrowth, we mean a form of society and economy that aims for the well-being of all and preserves the natural basis for life. To achieve degrowth, we need a fundamental transformation of our lives and a far-reaching cultural change. The dominant economic and social paradigm is that of “faster, higher, farther”. It is built on and motivates competition between people. This causes acceleration, stress and exclusion. Our economy destroys the natural basis of life. We are convinced that the common values ​​of a degrowth society should be care, solidarity and cooperation. Humanity must perceive itself as part of the planetary ecological system. Only in this way can a self-determined life with dignity for all be possible.

– Definition of degrowth from the degrowth.info platform

INTRODUCTION

The extraction of hydrocarbons, such as oil and natural gas, is a crucial factor in the global capitalist onslaught. However, the increased demand for energy has led to an intensification of mining activities, causing serious environmental and social impacts. The environmental impacts include water pollution, ecosystem destruction and increased greenhouse gas emissions, while the social impacts negatively affect local communities and especially indigenous populations.

Degrowth, as an alternative approach to traditional economic development, proposes a reduction in production and consumption in order to achieve a sustainable and just society (Kallis, 2018). This theory highlights the need for a revision of the values ​​of modern society, promoting self-sufficiency, solidarity and environmental protection. In this context, degrowth emphasizes the importance of renewable energy and local economies as means to achieve this goal.

This article analyzes hydrocarbon extraction through the theory of degrowth, examining its multi-level impacts and proposing alternative solutions that promote environmental sustainability and social justice. Through the exploration of the proposals of degrowth, the article highlights the importance of reducing dependence on hydrocarbons, promoting renewable energy sources and strengthening local communities as key strategies for addressing contemporary challenges.

THE THEORY OF DEGROWTH

The theory of degrowth emerged as a response to the environmental crisis and social inequality caused by economic growth (Latouche, 2013). The basic idea of ​​degrowth is to recognize the limits of growth and promote an economy that is not based on continuous GDP growth, but on improving the quality of life and environmental sustainability (Kallis et al., 2020). Serge Latouche, one of the main theorists of degrowth, points out that continued economic growth is incompatible with both the sustainable management of natural resources and social justice (Latouche, 2013).

The basic principles of degrowth include reexamining the values ​​of modern society, promoting austerity, strengthening the local economy, and decoupling well-being from economic growth. Latouche (2013) argues that the modern economy is based on an unlimited desire for consumption and production, which leads to environmental degradation and social inequality. Degrowth proposes a return to a simpler and more sustainable everyday life, where the quality of life is not determined by material abundance but by personal well-being and social cohesion. In order to achieve this, he has proposed a framework for degrowth based on eight basic principles, also known as “the 8 Rs”. These principles propose a radically different way of thinking and acting from the dominant economic model, promoting the reduction of consumption and production in favor of environmental sustainability and social justice. These principles are:

1. Re-evaluate (Réévaluer): It is about reviewing our values ​​and changing the mindset that is based on endless economic growth and consumption. We need to emphasize quality of life, well-being and ecological balance instead of continuous economic growth.
2. Reconceptualize (Reconceptualiser): Re-orientation is about changing our priorities and reorganizing society around new values ​​and goals. This includes decoupling well-being from material consumption and adopting sustainable practices in all areas of life.
3. Reconstructure (Reconstructurer): Reconstruction involves reshaping production and consumption systems to reduce environmental burdens and increase social justice. This, in our case, means moving from an economy based on hydrocarbons to one based on renewable energy sources.
4. Reduce (Réduire): Reduction refers to the reduction of production and consumption in order to reduce the environmental burden and ensure the sustainability of natural resources. This means less waste and more conscious consumption.
5. Reuse (Réutiliser): Reuse involves promoting the use of products for a longer period of time, through repair, remanufacturing and reuse, reducing the need for new products and the waste of natural resources.
6. Recycle (Recycler): Recycling refers to the processing and reuse of waste to produce new products. This helps to reduce the amount of waste and conserve natural resources.
7. Relocalise (Relocaliser): Relocalisation encourages the strengthening of local economies and the reduction of dependence on global markets. Promoting local production and consumption reduces the environmental impact of transport (ecological footprint) and strengthens the local economy and community.
8. Redistribution: Redistribution involves the redistribution of wealth and resources to reduce inequalities and ensure social justice. This means a more equitable distribution of goods and services, to ensure that everyone has access to those goods that are necessary to meet their basic needs.

IMPACTS OF HYDROCARBON EXTRACTION: THE CRITICISM OF DEGREE DEVELOPMENT

Hydrocarbon extraction – as stated at the beginning of this article – has significant environmental and social impacts, which in the vast majority exceed the benefits it provides. The critique of degrowth focuses on the negative consequences of this practice and the need for a more sustainable and equitable approach to energy policy.

A) Environmental Impacts

The environmental impacts of hydrocarbon extraction include water pollution, ecosystem destruction and greenhouse gas emissions. Oil spills, for example, have devastating consequences for marine life and coastal ecosystems (Jernelöv, 2010). In addition, the release of methane during the process of extracting and transporting natural gas contributes significantly to climate change (Howarth, 2014).

A typical example of these impacts is the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The catastrophic oil spill occurred in 2010 after the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon platform, which belonged to BP (British Petroleum). The accident caused the leakage of millions of barrels of oil into the sea, with incalculable consequences for the environment.

The water pollution from the oil spill covered a huge area of ​​sea, coastal ecosystems were severely damaged by the oil and many species of marine organisms, such as fish, seabirds and sea turtles, were directly affected by the pollution. The toxic substances in the oil caused not only death but also reproductive problems in many species. In addition, the burning of oil and the cleanup processes released large amounts of greenhouse gases, thus contributing to climate change.

The Deepwater Horizon accident is one of the largest environmental accidents in history and highlights the serious impacts that hydrocarbon extraction can have on the environment. Efforts to restore the affected areas have been ongoing for years, but the long-term consequences remain.

Beyond the cases of accidents, however, degrowth argues that the continued exploitation of hydrocarbons is incompatible with the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment. The reckless use of natural resources leads to depletion of reserves and environmental degradation, threatening the viability of ecosystems and the health of human communities (Latouche, 2013).

B) Social Impacts

The social impacts of hydrocarbon extraction are equally significant. Local communities are often displaced to make way for the extraction, losing access to traditional sources of income and land (Lertzman & Vredenburg, 2005). Economic inequality is exacerbated as the benefits of extraction accrue to investors and large companies, while the negative impacts mainly affect local and indigenous communities (Bebbington et al., 2008).

A typical example is the situation in the Amazon in Colombia, where oil extraction has led to significant social unrest. Local communities, mainly indigenous tribes living in remote areas of the Amazon, have been displaced to make way for the extraction. These communities are losing access to traditional sources of income, such as hunting, fishing and agriculture, and the quality of their land is deteriorating.

Furthermore, economic inequality is increasing as the benefits of hydrocarbon extraction accrue to investors and large oil companies, while local communities who experience the negative impacts, such as environmental pollution and the destruction of their ecosystems, do not see corresponding economic benefits. The effects of pollution and change in the local environment create further challenges for the health and well-being of these communities.

The example of the Amazon thus shows that extraction not only affects the environment, but also the social and economic balance of local communities. Degrowth suggests a more equitable distribution of resources and the empowerment of local populations. Strengthening local autonomy and promoting local economic activities can contribute to creating more resilient and self-sufficient communities, reducing dependence on mining and large corporations (Latouche, 2013).

C) Rethinking economic models

Degrowth therefore calls for a radical rethinking of economic development models, moving away from the traditional concept of continuous economic growth and towards sustainability and social justice (D’Alisa et al., 2015). The adoption of new models that promote collective well-being and sustainability is essential to achieve such a balanced and just society.

The basic idea behind this is that continuous economic growth cannot be sustainable and cannot continue indefinitely on our limited planet. Instead, degrowth proposes that quality of life and sustainability should be prioritized. This means that we need to rethink our economic models to focus on a better allocation of resources, reducing consumption and promoting social justice.

For example, Som Energía (We Are Energy) is a green energy consumer cooperative founded in 2010 in Girona, Spain, and has gained significant recognition for its self-organized approach to sustainable energy. The cooperative aims to promote the use of renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The cooperative operates on the principle of collective participation and energy justice. Its members contribute financially, participate in decisions, and invest in renewable energy installations, such as solar panels and wind farms. The profit from the sale of the energy produced is reinvested to expand the projects and strengthen the community.

Notably, Som Energía does not depend on government funding or subsidies, but relies solely on the contributions and participation of its members. This allows the cooperative to maintain its independence and focus on promoting sustainable and fair energy practices. The cooperative has also developed educational initiatives to promote ecological awareness and participation in energy, offering seminars and workshops for the public and other communities interested in following similar models. This is an excellent example of a self-organized and sustainable energy community, which shows how local initiatives can contribute to changing the energy landscape and freeing themselves from hydrocarbon dependence without even the need for state intervention.

Degrowth, therefore, proposes a new direction for our societies, focused on sustainability and quality of life, instead of unlimited economic growth. Examples like the above (and there are many of them!) show that it is possible to rebel against the dominant economic logic and promote models that incorporate these principles. Of course, for all this to happen, it is necessary to strengthen local communities, create solidarity networks, promote community participation and strengthen local cultural and social structures (Trainer, 2012). Furthermore, according to Latouche (2013), strengthening local communities can contribute to reducing social inequalities and promoting social cohesion, creating a more just and sustainable society.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of hydrocarbon extraction through the theory of degrowth highlights the serious environmental and social impacts of these activities. These impacts, such as water pollution, ecosystem destruction and displacement of local communities, outweigh the economic benefits, demonstrating the need for a change in approach to energy policy.

Degrowth proposes a radical revision of economic models, focused on sustainability, social justice and the empowerment of local communities. By promoting renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on hydrocarbons, it is possible to create more sustainable and equitable societies. Examples such as the Som Energía cooperative in Spain show that local initiatives can contribute significantly to achieving these goals, offering a model for building a more resilient and self-sufficient economy.

The transition to a society that promotes self-sufficiency, solidarity and environmental protection requires the cooperation of local communities, the strengthening of local networks and the promotion of community participation. The theory of degrowth can provide a framework for achieving these goals, emphasizing the importance of revising the values ​​of modern society and the need for a more equitable distribution of resources. In conclusion, degrowth suggests a necessary alternative approach, which can address contemporary challenges and create a sustainable and just future for all.

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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D’Alisa, G., Demaria, F., & Kallis, G. (2015). Degrowth: A vocabulary for a new era. Routledge.

Howarth, R. W. (2014). A bridge to nowhere: methane emissions and the greenhouse gas footprint of natural gas. Energy Science & Engineering, 2(2), 47-60.

Jernelöv, A. (2010). The threats from oil spills: Now, then, and in the future. Ambio, 39(5-6), 353-366.

Kallis, G. (2018). Degrowth. Agenda Publishing.

Kallis, G., Kerschner, C., & Martinez-Alier, J. (2020). The economics of degrowth. Ecological Economics, 84, 172-180.

Latouche, S. (2013). Towards a society of lean abundance. Misconceptions and controversies surrounding degrowth. Athens: Colleagues’ Publications

Lertzman, D. A., & Vredenburg, H. (2005). Indigenous peoples, resource extraction and sustainable development: An ethical approach. Journal of Business Ethics, 56(3), 239-254.

Trainer, T. (2012). De-growth: Do you realize what it means? Futures, 44(6), 590-599.