Many indigenous communities see the climate crisis as another form of colonialism. First World countries have colonized the atmosphere with their greenhouse gas emissions. And there is a risk that carbon removal infrastructure reinforces business-as-usual. So, what is the best approach to decolonizing the atmosphere? How can we tackle climate change in a way that fits with broader progressive goals around equity and social justice?

Dr. Holly Jean Buck is a postdoctoral fellow at UCLA’s Institute on the Environment and Sustainability and the author of After Geoengineering: Climate Tragedy, Repair, and Restoration. Dr. Buck joins Ross to discuss her recent article in Progressive International, ‘How to Decolonize the Atmosphere.’ She describes how the ideas in The Red Deal: Indigenous Action to Save Our Earth informed her thinking and introduces us to the concept of settler colonialism as it relates to climate change.

Dr. Buck walks us through her three progressive goals for carbon removal: 1) link carbon with the managed decline of fossil fuels, 2) ensure public ownership and return on investment, and 3) advocate for a global framework for carbon removal. Listen in for Dr. Buck’s insight on the interconnectedness of the climate crisis with the other major issues we face and find out why she is concerned about the way social media may be influencing scientific research.

Resources

Dr. Buck’s Website

Dr. Buck on Twitter

The Red Deal Part 1: End the Occupation

Beyond Wiindigo Infrastructure by Winona LaDuke, Deborah Cowen

After Geoengineering: Climate Tragedy, Repair, and Restoration by Holly Jean Buck

Global CCS Institute Report on Climate Change

Rhodium Report on Jobs & Direct Air Capture

Rhodium Report on Policies for the US to Advance Direct Air Capture

Sad by Design: On Platform Nihilism by Geert Lovink

Nexus by Ramez Naam

Daniel Schmachtenberger

‘Climate Change is a Waste Management Problem’ in Issues in Science and Technology

All Hell Breaking Loose: The Pentagon’s Perspective on Climate Change by Michael T. Klare