Deep Dive
Why did Sunil Amrith write 'The Burning Earth' from a vantage point outside the global North?
Sunil Amrith wrote 'The Burning Earth' from a vantage point outside the global North to provide a more global and inclusive perspective on environmental history. His background in India and Southeast Asia allowed him to highlight elements of the story that might look different when viewed from Asian and global South perspectives.
How did Sunil Amrith's urban upbringing in Singapore influence his approach to environmental history?
Sunil Amrith's urban upbringing in Singapore, a city that grew rapidly and relied heavily on technology, initially made him skeptical of environmental concerns. His interest in environmental history grew from a starting point of political questions about justice, equality, and rights, and he later integrated these concerns as he realized the inseparability of environmental and social issues.
Why does Sunil Amrith believe that environmental concerns are inseparable from political rights and social justice?
Sunil Amrith believes that environmental concerns are inseparable from political rights and social justice because he observed how environmental risks and disasters are often the result of political and economic decisions. The catastrophic flooding in cities like Yangon, Bangkok, and Mumbai in the early 2010s highlighted the interconnectedness of these issues.
What historical patterns does Sunil Amrith see echoing in the current moment of climate change?
Sunil Amrith sees historical patterns of resource conflict, such as water wars and grain conflicts, echoing in the current moment of climate change. He also notes the persistence of language and imagery that reflect an exclusivist view of resource security, similar to earlier periods.
How does the concept of 'wastelands' relate to the colonization and exploitation of land?
The concept of 'wastelands' is a medieval notion that certain lands are being wasted because they are not being cultivated. This idea has been used to justify the displacement of indigenous peoples and the exploitation of land for agricultural or economic purposes, both in Europe and in colonized regions.
Why is the island of Madeira considered an early example of boom and bust in the context of environmental history?
The island of Madeira is considered an early example of boom and bust in environmental history because it saw rapid deforestation and the establishment of sugar cane plantations, which were tilled by slave labor. This focus on maximizing quick profits for distant investors led to the exhaustion of the land and a constant moving of the frontier to new areas.
Why does Sunil Amrith suggest that emissions are the ultimate act of colonization?
Sunil Amrith suggests that emissions are the ultimate act of colonization because they disproportionately affect those who have contributed the least to those emissions. The cumulative effects of emissions colonize the future, impacting the most vulnerable populations and regions.
How does the concept of 'forgetting' play a role in the environmental challenges we face today?
The concept of 'forgetting' plays a role in environmental challenges because it allows us to ignore the consequences of our actions and the interdependence with nature. Technologies like air conditioning and fossil fuels enable us to forget the natural systems we depend on, leading to a disconnection from the environment and a failure to address long-term sustainability.
What historical document does Sunil Amrith compare modern climate agreements to, and why?
Sunil Amrith compares modern climate agreements like the Rio Earth Summit, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement to the Charter of the Forest. While the Charter of the Forest was a legally enforceable document that recognized people's dependence on nature, modern climate agreements often lack enforceability, which is a significant challenge in addressing climate change.
What does Sunil Amrith see as a cause for optimism in the face of climate change?
Sunil Amrith sees the environmental movement as a cause for optimism, despite setbacks. He believes that the movement mobilizes more affiliation and energy than any other movement globally. He also sees progress in terms of mobilization, consciousness, and political action, though these are generational processes and will take time.
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