Contesting Hydropower in the Brazilian Amazon

Ed Atkins' book Contesting Hydropower in the Brazilian Amazon explores how local, national, and international civil society groups have resisted the Belo Monte and São Luiz do Tapajós hydroelectric projects, highlighting the need for sustainable energy transitions to consider more than greenhouse gas emissions. It examines how anti-dam actors expose political interests and link the resistance movement to broader environmental politics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In Contesting Hydropower in the Brazilian Amazon, Ed Atkins delves into the compelling story of how local, national, and international civil society groups have successfully resisted the Belo Monte and São Luiz do Tapajós hydroelectric projects in Brazil. Through his insightful analysis, Atkins uncovers the profound ways in which contemporary opposition to hydropower projects serves as a powerful testament to the urgent need for sustainable energy transitions that go beyond mere greenhouse gas emissions.

The notion that society must embark on a successful transition away from fossil fuels and towards sustainable energy sources is a widely accepted principle in contemporary environmental governance. However, the question of who ultimately determines which forms of energy are deemed sustainable remains less certain. Contesting Hydropower in the Brazilian Amazon provides a valuable lens through which to examine one such process in which the sustainability of a purportedly "green" energy source is contested.

The book focuses on how civil society actors have engaged in a dynamic and multifaceted struggle to challenge and reshape dominant pro-dam assertions that portray the hydropower schemes under study as renewable energy projects that align with sustainable development agendas. Atkins meticulously examines how anti-dam actors strategically employ their actions to expose the political motivations behind a project, while simultaneously connecting the resistance movement to broader issues of contemporary environmental politics.

This interdisciplinary work is a treasure trove for students and scholars engaged in the fields of sustainable development, sustainable energy transitions, environmental justice, environmental governance, and development studies. It offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the complex dynamics and challenges surrounding hydropower development in the Brazilian Amazon, shedding light on the critical role that civil society plays in shaping the future of our planet. By examining the strategies employed by both pro-dam and anti-dam actors, Atkins provides valuable insights into the complexities of sustainable energy governance and the urgent need for a more holistic and inclusive approach to energy transitions.

In conclusion, Contesting Hydropower in the Brazilian Amazon is a groundbreaking work that contributes significantly to our understanding of the complex interplay between sustainability, energy development, and civil society activism. It serves as a timely reminder that the pursuit of renewable energy sources must be guided by a commitment to environmental justice, social equity, and the preservation of biodiversity. As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, this book provides valuable insights and strategies for building a more sustainable and resilient future.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367609306