Political Ecologies of Extractive Industries and Indigenous Peoples

The following commentaries (blogs and photo-essays) contribute to a special series on the political ecology of extractive industries as they intersect with indigenous communities. Whether battles taking place are over oil and gas in Bolivia, Ecuador, or Canada, indigenous peoples are often at the forefront in efforts to “keep the oil in the ground” as a strategy to mitigate the ecological and social impacts of fossil fuel extraction. This is particularly relevant in the context of climate change. As of December 1, 2014, governments, civil society and industry have convened in Lima Peru to chart a way forward on climate change. It is also the first time the Conference of the Parties (COP) climate meeting will take place in an Amazon country. Questions of indigenous rights and oil extraction are bound to be discussed and negotiated. The work of political ecologists such as the ones contributing below can clarify some of these complex issues regarding extractive industries and indigenous peoples.