Colonial Climate Engineering In The Age Of Anxiety: Histories Of Economic Life

Desert Edens: Colonial Climate Engineering in the Age of Anxiety (Histories of Economic Life Book 9)

by Robert C. Brears

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5947 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Print length	:	256 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The history of climate engineering is often told as a story of progress. From the early days of cloud seeding to the more recent development of carbon capture and storage, the narrative goes, scientists have been working to find ways to manipulate the climate for the benefit of humanity.

But this story is not complete. It fails to take into account the ways in which climate engineering has been used for more nefarious purposes. In the colonial era, European powers used climate modification to control and exploit Indigenous populations and resources.

This book tells the story of colonial climate engineering. It explores the ways in which Europeans used climate modification to reshape the landscapes of their colonies, to control the movement of Indigenous peoples, and to extract resources. It also examines the ways in which climate engineering contributed to the spread of disease and the displacement of Indigenous communities.

The book argues that climate engineering was a central component of colonial expansion. It was a tool that Europeans used to assert their power and control over the natural world and its inhabitants. The effects of colonial climate engineering can still be seen today, in the form of climate change and other environmental problems.

Chapter 1: The Origins Of Colonial Climate Engineering

The origins of colonial climate engineering can be traced back to the early days of European colonialism. In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors used cloud seeding to create rain for their crops. In the 17th century, Dutch settlers in South Africa used windmills to drain swamps and create new land for agriculture.

By the 18th century, climate engineering was being used on a larger scale. In the Caribbean, European planters used deforestation and irrigation to create sugar plantations. In India, the British used dams and canals to control the flow of water for irrigation.

Climate engineering was also used to control the movement of Indigenous peoples. In the Americas, Europeans used smallpox blankets to spread disease and kill off Native American populations. In Australia, the British used smoke to drive Indigenous peoples off their land.

Chapter 2: The Impact Of Colonial Climate Engineering On Indigenous Peoples

The impact of colonial climate engineering on Indigenous peoples was devastating. Climate modification disrupted traditional agricultural practices, leading to famine and starvation. Deforestation and irrigation projects destroyed hunting grounds and fishing spots. Dams and canals flooded villages and displaced communities.

Climate engineering also contributed to the spread of disease. The of new crops and livestock brought new diseases to Indigenous populations. The disruption of traditional water sources led to outbreaks of waterborne diseases. The displacement of communities made Indigenous peoples more vulnerable to disease.

As a result of climate engineering and other colonial practices, Indigenous populations were decimated. In the Americas, the Native American population declined by 90% in the century following the arrival of Europeans. In Australia, the Aboriginal population declined by 50% in the century following British colonization.

Chapter 3: The Environmental Legacy Of Colonial Climate Engineering

The environmental legacy of colonial climate engineering is still visible today. Deforestation, irrigation, and other climate modification practices have led to climate change, soil erosion, and water scarcity. The of new crops and livestock has led to the spread of invasive species and the extinction of native species.

Climate engineering has also contributed to the displacement of Indigenous communities and the loss of traditional knowledge. Indigenous peoples have a deep understanding of their environment and how to live in harmony with it. This knowledge has been lost as a result of climate engineering and other colonial practices.

Colonial climate engineering was a tool of oppression and exploitation. It was used to control and exploit Indigenous populations and resources. The effects of colonial climate engineering can still be seen today, in the form of climate change and other environmental problems.

It is important to remember the history of colonial climate engineering so that we can avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. We need to develop sustainable climate engineering practices that are based on respect for Indigenous knowledge and the environment.

Desert Edens: Colonial Climate Engineering in the Age of Anxiety (Histories of Economic Life Book 9)

by Robert C. Brears

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5947 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Print length	:	256 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE