Climate policies and their effect on developing countries when we hear the word “colonialism,” most of us think of past conquests, stealing resources, and political control over faraway lands. But in the 21st century, colonialism has a new form: an ecological one. Ecological colonialism is when rich, industrial countries force their climate and environmental rules on poorer nations. They often do this for their own benefit, not necessarily for the benefit of those countries.
What is Ecological Colonialism?
This is a situation where developed countries, to lower their own carbon footprint, “move” polluting industries and resource extraction to developing countries. They also put in place strict environmental standards that they themselves did not follow in the past. This can include:
- using natural resources in poor countries for “green projects” (for example, growing a lot of biofuels, which can endanger food supply).
- moving pollution – when the making of “dirty” products moves from the eu or usa to countries with weaker environmental laws.
- financial help with strings attached – loans or money that are connected to changes that do not consider the local needs and social effects.
Examples from real life
- Africa and renewable energy: many african countries get financial help to build solar and wind farms, but the equipment, technology, and knowledge come only from europe or china. Local industry just uses the technology instead of developing their own.
- Latin america and biofuels: planting a lot of palm trees for biodiesel and sugar cane for ethanol often pushes local farmers off their land and makes food supply less secure.
- Pacific islands: while the world talks about climate justice, some big countries use the threat to these islands from rising sea levels to get strategic military bases or exclusive fishing rights.
Why is this a problem? Ecological colonialism repeats old patterns of power and inequality. The countries that polluted the most in the past are now making the rules, and the most vulnerable countries do not have an equal voice. Instead of working together as partners, it is often a “green command” that can slow down or even stop local development.
How to avoid ecological colonialism?
- Fair change: climate policies should be made with local communities, not forced on them.
- Sharing technology and knowledge: instead of poor countries just using others’ technology, we need to invest in their own production and new ideas.
- Local priorities: environmental actions must respect local needs, like keeping farming and access to water.
- Global responsibility: the countries that historically polluted the most should carry the biggest burden of paying for and adapting to climate change.
If the green change is not fair, we risk creating new forms of exploitation while trying to save the planet. Ecological colonialism is a warning that the fight against climate change should not be a new tool for global inequality. We need to build solutions together, share technology, and make sure no one is left behind. We can only save the planet if we all save it, not just a few privileged people.
As an ambassador for the European Climate Pact, I must say that the views in this article are only my own and do not have to be the views of the European Commission or the European Climate Pact. – Zoran Pavletić
author: Zoran Pavletić
