Extractivism, recognition, and responsibility: The search for more just futures

Organizers:
Anna Heikkinen (University of Helsinki)
Mira Käkönen (Australian National University)
Anu Lounela (University of Helsinki)
Anja Nygren (University of Helsinki)

In recent years, accelerated resource extraction and its multifaceted environmental-social effects, including greenhouse gas emissions, environmental pollution, constraints to resource access, and drastic alterations in people’s lives, livelihoods, and subjectivities, have received increased attention. A crucial aspect in understanding the harms and losses affected by extractivism is formulation of novel approaches for multi-scalar and multi-temporal analyses of long-term effects of extractivism, their socio-spatial differentiations, and initiatives for transformative responsibility for more just and sustainable futures.

This working group focuses on novel approaches and methods for understanding multifaceted effects of resource extraction, as well as the diverse claims for recognition and responsibility. The panel also analytically explores diverse agendas and initiatives aiming to restore and repair the harms and losses effected.

This session invites paper presentations to discuss following topics:

• multi-scalar analyses of the effects of extractivism
• approaches that challenge the prevalent policies and politics of resource extraction
• ways in which people reimagine and reshape their environments and lifeworlds at extractive frontiers
• claims for recognition related to extractivism-induced losses, and efforts to pursue transformative forms of responsibility
• agendas and initiatives aiming to repair the harms generated
• aspirations for hope and search for more just and sustainable futures

The session will be held in a hybrid form, and presentations can be held both onsite and online. Please, send an abstract of 300 words of your presentations to anna.heikkinen@helsinki.fi