Eco-imperialism - Possible Examples

Possible Examples

While the ethical validity of such an idea is still under debate, advocates for economic justice have highlighted a number of scenarios in which eco-imperialism is feasibly at work.

• In the Malaysian timber industry, workers face considerable strain due to boycotts by industrial nations on their timber. Under the auspices of environmental responsibility, these nations seek to promote environmental sustainability by disapproving of Malaysia’s laws regarding the timber industry. As a lucrative natural resource, timber generates much government revenue, some of which is aimed at helping the poor. An eco-imperialism argument has been formed surrounding this issue, contending that Western nations are neglecting the importance of economic viability for a developing country. Assuming that Malaysia can afford the same sustainable practices used in “the North” potentially neglects the importance of economic growth for a developing country, and for many commentators, weighs environmental considerations heavier than those for human life.

• A "carbon tariff" on countries that do not produce goods according to certain sustainability requirements has been adopted by several nations. The U.S. and France, notably, are advocates for such legislative measures. Countries affected by these tariffs are almost all considered developing nations which rely on Western countries buying their goods. A proponent of eco-imperialism would see the “carbon tariff” as a detrimental environmental consideration, as developing countries can suffer while there is little effect on the industrialized country levying the tariff. Germany and Sweden are two nations that have been vocally against carbon tariffs.

• Resistance to the World Bank’s £2.4 billion loan to South Africa in 2010 to build a coal plant was seen by critics as an example of eco-imperialism. If the coal plant was not built, there would have been significant limitations placed on industrial development in the country. South Africa was facing widespread power outages, and officials in the country saw the plant as vital to their continued economic growth. However, environmentalists have expressed discontent as the plant will emit 25 million tons of carbon per annum. Some believe the benefits achieved in terms of electricity and power by the plant outweigh the environmental considerations merited by a building of this type. This issue has raised concerns about the interaction of the World Bank’s two major international goals, alleviating poverty and preventing global warming.

• Some see eco-imperialism as a way to explain the politicization of environmental issues. In 2011, the United Nations underwent a vote to determine if climate change were “an issue of peace and security". Though it was defeated, the passage of this directive, in the minds of those who fear eco-imperialism, would give Western nations the vehicle through which they could project their environmental agendas on the developing world.

• Environmentalists worldwide fight vigorously against navigational improvements to rivers and hydro-electrical power. In preserving a few exotic fish species, they argue that areas such as the whole of South East Asia should be deprived of an improved Mekong river system, which would aid dramatically the economic development of this important part of the world. Their logic is highly controversial, as inland river transportation systems are far "greener" than the alternative, which are ever more carbon-emitting heavy trucks and ever more highways. Hydro-electric power is also a far "greener" solution than fossil fuel powered electric plants.

• An argument exists that the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio was a forum that greatly promoted eco-imperialism