The importance of renewable energy (RE) in the global economy is increasing. This provides great economic opportunities for developing countries with a high RE potential, but simultaneously risks...Show moreThe importance of renewable energy (RE) in the global economy is increasing. This provides great economic opportunities for developing countries with a high RE potential, but simultaneously risks exposing these countries to an unjust energy transition as a consequence of energy production. Therefore, this thesis investigates the political-economic implications of RE on extractivism, to better understand the potential costs and benefits of RE developments for developing countries. Hence, the research question is; In what ways does Morocco’s renewable energy strategy reinforce patterns of extractivism, and how does energy extractivism reproduce existing power dynamics? This is examined through a within-case study analysis of Morocco’s renewable energy strategy by developing a framework of energy extractivism. It finds that Morocco’s energy strategy reinforces patterns of extractivism at two different junctions; Firstly, the international/national level that is formed by an underlying interdependence of (financial) resources and energy that sustain neo-colonial dynamics. Secondly, the national/local level that promotes extractivism as development in peripheral zones by transferring socio-environmental costs to local communities. Energy extractivism reproduces power dynamics through these junctions as it reasserts the influence of the elite on development and maintains social hierarchies at the local and national levels. However, a similar process is not (yet) present at the international level although some patterns of extractivism are. The study is relevant to broader literature on extractivism and RE development since it addresses the roles of both national RE strategies and international structures on energy appropriation. It is critical to assess these potential risks and opportunities early in the energy transition in developing countries before any adverse extractivist effects occur.Show less
China’s rise has been accompanied by its growing presence in maritime affairs. With China possessing the largest fishing industry in the world, its national fishing industry constitutes a central...Show moreChina’s rise has been accompanied by its growing presence in maritime affairs. With China possessing the largest fishing industry in the world, its national fishing industry constitutes a central player in China’s expanding maritime presence. The fishing industry is vital for China’s food and economic security, and thus securing access to and power over fish resources is essential. Consequently, China’s fishing industry has been expanding beyond China’s inshore waters to the regional waters of the South China Sea and distant waters surrounding Africa and Latin America. As China’s fishing activities become increasingly global, the fishing industry will increasingly affect global ocean governance. Therefore, this research paper tackles the question of how the geopolitics of China’s fishing industry impacts upon contemporary global ocean governance, and specifically investigates China’s fishing operations in the regions of the South China Sea, West Africa, and Latin America. Through performing a within-case analysis, analyzing the case of China’s fishing industry, and drawing on both qualitative and quantitative data sources, it is evident that China’s geopolitically driven fishing activities in the various regions pose a threat to the central pillars of the current global ocean governance regime, namely the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Sustainable Development Goal 14, and blue economic development. Therefore, the geopolitics of China’s fishing industry undermines contemporary global ocean governance.Show less
This paper investigates the mechanisms behind the relationship between economic inequality and environmental degradation in Brazil. The country experienced a significant reduction in inequality and...Show moreThis paper investigates the mechanisms behind the relationship between economic inequality and environmental degradation in Brazil. The country experienced a significant reduction in inequality and poverty since 1980, which resulted in higher levels of household income and, consequently, consumption. Research of available data suggests that for Brazil, a decrease in inequality and poverty resulted in an increase of consumption of, among other things, beef products. While this most likely led to increased deforestation in the beginning of the 2000s to meet the demand, due to environmental regulations, agreements, and policies, deforestation rates declined between 2004 and 2012. These rates started to increase again after 2012, the year in which the Forest Code was revised and regulations concerning deforestation were relaxed, implying the power of government interventions. While deforestation rates can be decoupled from beef product consumption, CO2 emissions have steadily increased over the studied time frame, also as a consequence of the expansion of the agricultural sector. Biodiversity loss has remained neutral thus far, and Brazil is still considered the world’s most biodiverse country. However, the risk to losing biodiversity might increase in the future if deforestation rates continue to rise. Besides consumption patterns, an unequal power distribution in the country gives big business and rich elites the power to influence policies in their benefit, maintaining or exacerbating inequalities or environmentally damaging activities.Show less
