Colonialism, Postcolonialism and Environmental Crisis (Ukrainian Experience)

Abstract

The link between colonialism, the state of the environment and natural resources and environmental crises areonsidered in the article. This link is described by the term “environmental colonialism”. Research on environmental colonialism arefocused on the complex analysis of a wide range of colonial practices. They are as follows: distribution and redistribution of naturalresources; restriction of access of indigenous (native) people and local communities to natural resources; changes in proportions ofextraction and use of certain resources; changes in the structure of population and local economy, including traditional practices ofnature use; additional pressure on external markets; spread of disease and alien species; changes in the life style of the localpopulation and consumption patterns.Studies of the links between colonialism and anticolonial movement and the environment is important for understanding ofthe nature of modern environmental crisis and related socio-economic problems, for outlining of the ways and instruments forovercoming environmental crisis, ecosystem restoration and nature use optimization. Research on environmental colonialism is alsorelated to analysis of the genesis and tendencies of local and national environmental movements, strategies and scenarios ofdevelopment of particular countries, regions as well as the global community as whole.The two aspects of the environmental colonialism are analyzed with regards of the experience of Ukraine: colonies as asource of natural resources and raw materials to create added value for the metropolis; colonies and peripheral territories as asource of cheaper workforce and as a recipients of environmental pollutions and risks. Expectation of less resistance from the localpopulation is one of the reasons for placement of dangerous industries at colonies. Such colonial policy results in environmentalpollution and environmental disasters and human tragedies (Bhopal gas tragedy in 1984 in India; Chernobyl disaster in1986 inUkraine).Colonizers also reduce nature and natural resources of colonies to marker value and ignore their important sacral,spiritual, religious and aesthetic roles, which are crucially important for indigenous (native) people and local communities. Thedownside of this phenomenon is the loss of cultural continuity and traditions of nature use.There is a strong tie between changes in population structure, systems of natural resources use and environmentaldegradation. The struggle for the safe environment and quality of life is an integral part of the anti-colonial movement. The civicsociety is a key drawing force of this movement.

Keywords: colonialism, environment, nature use, environmental colonialism, environmental risks, civil society.