Buzzwords such as “renewable energy” and “green deal” are often met with a lot of enthusiasm and optimism—and why wouldn’t they? We know that renewable energy is the way forward and anything with “green” in it sounds like it’s a good thing, right? Unfortunately, a lot of the time seemingly well intentioned “green policies' created by western authorities can have a largely detrimental effect, and come at the expense of less developed countries and marginalised communities. This is often referred to as “green colonialism”.

“Green colonialism” is generally defined as “green practices by richer countries which negatively impact less developed countries and marginalised communities,” although we’re sure this is a grey area with a lot more nuance than we’re able to describe.

To give an example: In April 2020, a new wind power project was announced in Sápmi , the ancestral lands of the indigenous Saami people, who have herded reindeer for centuries. Around 98% of Norway’s electricity production comes from renewable energy sources, but the impact that this has had on the Saami livelihoods is readily overlooked. The Oyfjellet wind plant is not the first encroachment the community has faced. Various hydropower plants in their land have reduced pastures and have exposed their herds to a higher risk when crossing unstable ice on water dams. Research has shown that the semi-domesticated reindeer avoid grazing in areas where they can see or hear wind turbines.

This presents a tricky situation for Norway. Whilst the country could (and should) be applauded for having such a high renewable energy percentage, encroaching on native land and ancestral practices is always a bad practice, both ethically and ecologically.

In the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mexico, for example, indigenous communities have reported violations of their rights due to wind power projects. Communities have denounced government approval of these projects, saying that the government authorised them without the community’s free, prior, and informed consent, and that they did not have access to information in indigenous languages.

Whilst it’s important that we continue to find ways of producing more green energy, it’s important that we look at how these actions are affecting historically marginalised communities and countries. After all, there is no justice—climate or otherwise—without justice for the indigineous too.