Pollution Is Colonialism

Pollution is not a symptom of capitalism but a violent enactment of colonial land relations, according to Max Liboiron's book Pollution Is Colonialism. Liboiron's methodology demonstrates that anticolonial science is possible and is currently being practiced in ways that enact more ethical modes of being in the world.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 216 pages
\n Publication date: 14 May 2021
\n Publisher: Duke University Press
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Max Liboiron offers a framework for comprehending scientific research methodologies as activities that can either support or oppose colonialism. They argue that even when researchers aim for benevolent outcomes, environmental science and activism frequently rely on a colonial mindset and access to land. The book focuses on plastic pollution and presents an anticolonial scientific approach that aligns with Indigenous, particularly Métis, concepts of land, ethics, and relationships. Liboiron draws on their work at the Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research (CLEAR), an anticolonial science laboratory in Newfoundland, Canada, to illustrate how pollution is not a symptom of capitalism but a violent manifestation of colonial land relations that seek access to Indigenous land. Liboiron's creative, engaging, and passionate text challenges theories of pollution that make Indigenous land accessible for settler and colonial goals. Through their methodology, they demonstrate that anticolonial science is not only feasible but is currently being practiced in ways that promote more ethical modes of being in the world.

Max Liboiron presents a framework for understanding scientific research methods as practices that can align with or against colonialism. They point out that even when researchers are working toward benevolent goals, environmental science and activism are often premised on a colonial worldview and access to land. Focusing on plastic pollution, the book models an anticolonial scientific practice aligned with Indigenous, particularly Métis, concepts of land, ethics, and relations. Liboiron draws on their work in the Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research (CLEAR)—an anticolonial science laboratory in Newfoundland, Canada—to illuminate how pollution is not a symptom of capitalism but a violent enactment of colonial land relations that claim access to Indigenous land. Liboiron's creative, lively, and passionate text refuses theories of pollution that make Indigenous land available for settler and colonial goals. In this way, their methodology demonstrates that anticolonial science is not only possible but is currently being practiced in ways that enact more ethical modes of being in the world.

\n Weight: 432g\n
Dimension: 161 x 238 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781478013228\n \n