The following article gives a good overview of the massive extractivism taking place in Brazil (falsely reported as “industrialization”). It points out that the products of Brazil’s mines and other exploitive projects are, in fact, destined for export rather than to provide any domestic benefit. This shows how even one of the world’s most praised [...]

This article from the Guardian shows why indigenous movements have fought so hard for Peru’s new law requiring extractive industry to consult with affected indigenous communities, why industrial interests have so consistently opposed, and why mining companies pushed so hard for the recent decision that excluded millions of indigenous Peruvians from that law’s protection. Note, [...]

Maybe things aren’t as clean as they seem….  The Mother Nature Network describes the scene pretty well, “Lots of green technologies rely on rare earths [elements], but ironically, rare earth producers have a long history of harming the environment to get the metals. Like many industries that process mineral ores, they end up with toxic [...]

Two recent news stories highlight the fundamental problem with directing reformist efforts at a global economic system that is founded on colonialism, genocide and extinction. While of course it’s important to use a diversity of tactics to achieve our goals, and while it’s important to recognize and celebrate even partial victories, these stories remind us [...]

It’s as if the universe is trying to tell us something, isn’t it? First, a disastrous month that saw at least 15 separate oil spills worldwide, nearly all of them in North America. That month also saw an oil barge catch fire after a collision, and the publication of a study implicating fracking as a [...]

According to studies coming out, the current efforts being made to allow for both dams and surviving fish populations are failing.  Who would have thought, the “needs” for industrialized society are in direct opposition to a living planet! In an article about the study, Environment 360 had this to say, “In most major rivers in [...]

Companies like TransCanada, Enbridge, Suncor and others are not going to let Tar Sands stay in the ground- even after their pipelines are stopped.  They have already been shipping some Tar Sands by rail, and plan on ramping that up no matter what.  Jim Suttle, senior vice president of Hiland Crude LLC said, “Rails will [...]

Two projects are currently being fought on the ground (and in the trees) halfway across the country from each other, and various sources (including an article in the Ecologist ) have confirmed that the same company is doing on-the-ground construction of both. Michels Corp is a construction company that specializes in energy, transportation, telecommunications and [...]

From the Council of Canadians: Last week, TransCanada announced that it is moving ahead with its proposed Energy East pipeline which would carry oil from Alberta to Atlantic waters. If you are among those getting confused by all the different pipelines making headlines—Northern Gateway, Line 9, Kinder Morgan, etc.—this primer is for you! What is [...]

These past few weeks are really showing the real cost of the Oil and Gas industries.  With leaks, spills, de-railed trains, tailings pond failures, and explosion after explosion you’d think it would be enough to create some thoughtful dialog about what we’re doing trying to keep this way of life going.  Especially if the people [...]