Of Modern Extraction: Experiments in Critical Petro-theology

Predominant climate change narratives and environmental crises often overlook the role of extractivisms in climate change, which is rooted in the entanglements of bodies and energy. Critical petro-theology analyzes the current energy-driven climate crisis through critical gender, race, decolonial, and postsecular lenses to explore alternative embodied energies that can be attended to in the disrupted time/space of energy-intensive, extractive capitalism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 18 April 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Climate change narratives often focus on global emissions, while environmental crises have long highlighted a loss of meaning, value, and enchantment in nature. However, these portrayals fail to account for the ways in which climate change is rooted in extractivisms that have been profoundly enchanted. A critical petro-theology approach analyzes the current energy-driven climate crisis through critical gender, race, decolonial, and postsecular lenses. It aims to explore alternative embodied energies that can be attended to in the disrupted time/space of energy-intensive, extractive capitalism.

One of the key challenges of climate change is the way it intersects with extractivisms. Extractivisms involve the extraction of natural resources, such as oil, gas, and minerals, for economic gain. These activities have had profound impacts on the environment, including deforestation, pollution, and climate change. However, they have also been deeply intertwined with cultural and social practices, such as religion, spirituality, and identity.

One of the ways in which extractivisms have been enchanted is through the use of gendered and racialized narratives. These narratives often portray women and people of color as vulnerable and in need of protection, while men and white people are portrayed as powerful and dominant. This can lead to the exploitation of these groups and the perpetuation of harmful practices.

Another way in which extractivisms have been enchanted is through the use of technology. Technology has been used to increase the efficiency and profitability of extractivism, but it has also had negative impacts on the environment. For example, the use of fracking has led to the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.

To address these challenges, a critical petro-theology approach suggests that we need to rethink our relationship with energy. We need to move away from a model of energy that is driven by profit and towards a model that is driven by sustainability and social justice. This can involve a range of strategies, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy democracy.

Renewable energy is a type of energy that is generated from natural sources, such as wind, solar, and water. It is a clean and sustainable source of energy that has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. However, the development of renewable energy has been slow and has been hindered by a range of factors, such as government policies, market barriers, and technological challenges.

Energy efficiency is a strategy that involves reducing the amount of energy that is used to perform a particular task. This can be done by using energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and transportation. Energy efficiency can also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money on energy bills.

Energy democracy is a strategy that involves giving people more control over their energy resources. This can be done by creating community-based energy projects, such as solar cooperatives, and by promoting energy literacy and education. Energy democracy can also help to reduce the power of corporations and governments over energy resources.

In addition to these strategies, a critical petro-theology approach also suggests that we need to address the cultural and social practices that are associated with extractivisms. This can involve promoting cultural diversity and respect, and by challenging the dominant narratives that perpetuate harmful practices.

One of the challenges of addressing these cultural and social practices is the fact that they are deeply embedded in our society. They are often reinforced by economic and political systems, and by the media. This can make it difficult for people to challenge these practices and to promote alternative embodied energies.

To address this challenge, a critical petro-theology approach suggests that we need to engage in a process of decolonization. Decolonization involves the process of reclaiming our cultural and social practices from the colonial powers that have dominated our world for centuries. This can involve a range of strategies, such as land reclamation, language revitalization, and cultural education.

In conclusion, climate change narratives often focus on global emissions, while environmental crises have long highlighted a loss of meaning, value, and enchantment in nature. However, these portrayals fail to account for the ways in which climate change is rooted in extractivisms that have been profoundly enchanted. A critical petro-theology approach suggests that we need to rethink our relationship with energy and to address the cultural and social practices that are associated with extractivisms. By doing so, we can create a more sustainable and just world for all.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780567708397