Colonial Connections in the Global Climate Crisis: Historical Injustices and Contemporary Inequalities
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The climate crisis is influenced by various factors, as it is a multidimensional process. The colonial period represents a significant component of these factors. This study, therefore, focuses on the connection between colonialism and the climate crisis. Colonialism was driven by the efforts of colonial powers to secure resources that would sustain their expanding economies, in line with their economic and political interests. During this process, practices such as the exploitation of natural resources and the displacement of indigenous peoples left lasting impacts on the economic, social, and cultural structures of societies. As a continuation of the historical legacy of colonialism, the climate crisis has disproportionately burdened the Global South, despite its minimal contribution to global emissions. This article underscores the importance of understanding the link between the climate crisis and colonialism, explores the neo-colonial mentality, and examines the implications of these dynamics for global climate policies.
Author: Selçuk Gürçam
Language: English
Subfield: Anthropology
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411240824