In Solidarity with the Earth

Given the devastating impact of extractive industries on ecosystems and on Indigenous communities, the paucity of engagements with mining from the perspective of ecotheology constitutes a serious caveat, not least where such mining is situated in countries of the global South. This volume offers a well-balanced and most welcome correction in this regard, especially given its recognition of vulnerabilities of gender. As the editors note, the volume focuses mainly on South and North America so that such a volume should now be supplemented with similar engagements, especially from an African perspective. * Ernst M. Conradie, University of the Western Cape, South Africa *
It is a rare book project that can summon the cooperative, multi-disciplinary scholarly analysis and advocacy needed to address today’s economic practices and ecological crises. This book does just that. It explores parallel forms of extraction – of life and resources – from the earth and marginalized people. It includes diverse, global scholarly perspectives from the natural and social sciences, gender studies, indigenous perspectives and religion. Avoiding overgeneralizations and un-grounded theory, the focus here is decidedly particular and local in focus. Best yet, this book tests and interrogates research across several academic disciplines by engaging local, on-the-ground practitioners and non-profit workers in order to effect real change. * Marit Trelstad, Pacific Lutheran University, USA *
Human solidarity can no longer concern our relationship with other humans only but must include our responsibility for all aspects of the planet. This book provides an extensive and convincing argument for such solidarity and depicts in nuance and detail what lack of such solidarity has implied. By analyzing accelerated forms of extractivism that are destroying ecological systems, land-based livelihoods, and cultures at an unprecedented scale, it also identifies the often-ignored gendered dimension that causes women’s suffering in the face of planetary destruction. The present volume documents both destruction and constructive possibilities for active response. In a literally “down to earth” approach, it represents an important contribution to empirical knowledge and ethical and theological reflection on matters that should concern everyone. * Jan-Olav Henriksen, MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society, Norway *
With precision, methodological rigor, and insight, the authors in this volume foreground the vital and often-toxic interconnections among gender, extraction, and environmental degradation. The authors' areas of expertise and the editors' thoughtful pairings of practitioners and scholars make this volume important in structure as well as content. * Christiana Zenner, Fordham University, USA *