Subject: This month: Green Multinationals Exposed | Dismantling Green Colonialism | The crucial role of Gaza’s fishers | and more

'Green' capital has attempted to seize control of the energy transition, determining its trajectory and obstructing climate policies
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Dear reader,


The UN Climate Talks loom on the horizon. Taking place from November 30 till December 12 in Dubai, this 28th Conference of the Parties (COP) is supposed to unite governments to devise policies aimed at curbing global temperature increases and address the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. The disconcerting reality, however, is that 'green' capital's pervasive influence will be on full display. Our recent reports underscore the critical importance of challenging profit-driven entities and their influence over the outcomes of COP28 and other processes. 

 
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For over a century, energy multinationals have ruthlessly exploited both the planet and its inhabitants in the relentless pursuit of profit. Our new investigation into fifteen so-called 'green' multinationals leaves no room for doubt—financial gains, not decarbonization, are their primary agenda. 'Green' capital has attempted to seize control of the energy transition, determining its trajectory and obstructing climate policies that pose threats to its bottom line. With COP28 in mind, it is past time to confront those corporations engaging in greenwashing tactics and reclaim the entire energy sector through robust public ownership and democratic governance.

Read the full report

Dossier: Dismantling Green Colonialism

In our latest dossier of essays, "Dismantling Green Colonialism," we delve into the Arabic region's energy transition plans and the deceptive assurances they entail. 


While regional leaders see the upcoming COP28 as an ideal platform to spotlight the region's climate change challenges, past conferences in Morocco, Egypt, and Qatar have demonstrated how the narrative of a collective pursuit of sustainable energy transition has been hijacked by private interests and the conventional economic framework. This dossier critically examines the increasing privatization of gains, deepening social disparities, and the eco-whitewashing of colonialism-inherited practices that shield neoliberal elites perpetuating environmental harm. 


As an alternatives these essays advocate for propositions that champion justice and democracy in the energy transition, ensuring the voices of the most vulnerable affected by the environmental crisis are considered in the quest for a sustainable and equitable future.


Read the full dossier
 

Green Hydrogen in Morocco

Morocco’s heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels for over 90% of its energy needs makes securing domestic energy supplies a top priority. Yet, the country's plans to export more than 70% of its green hydrogen production to Europe by 2050 raise questions about this commitment. 


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Longread: Ukrainian agriculture in wartime

Before the war, agriculture was thriving in Ukraine, but the Russian invasion has brought disruption and challenges to the sector. The scramble for resources and government support between big business and family farmers continues, raising questions about the future of Ukrainian agriculture. As Ukraine navigates its path toward recovery, join us in exploring the intricate web of issues affecting this vital sector and the potential impacts on global food security.


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Commentary: Xiao Min Liang - The Architect of UWSA Politics

The United Wa State Army is among the least-reported but controversial ethnic armed organisations in Myanmar. But despite many difficulties, it has grown during the past three decades from a breakaway movement at foundation to the most powerful ethnic force in the country. In this commentary, the local analyst Aik Long reflects on the recent death of Xiao Min Liang who played a key role in the UWSA’s modern-day evolution. A respected leader in the community, his passing comes at a critical time in both Shan State and the country in general.


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Blog: One step towards regulating Big Tech

 

On October 25, a pivotal shift in global trade dynamics as the U.S. withdraws support from WTO trade proposals. Big Tech faces a game-changing moment.


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Blog: World Fisheries Day and the crucial role of Gaza’s fishers

On 26 September 2023, the Gaza General Union of Fishworkers was admitted as a member of the World Forum of Fisher Peoples (WFFP). The fishworkers’ Union represents Gaza’s 4,000 fishers and an even larger number of women who repair fishing gear, clean fish and sell it at the markets. It was a day of celebration for the fishworkers’ union, established just a few months earlier in Gaza with the support of the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC). It was also a moment for the global fisher movement, WFFP, to reconfirm its international solidarity with the fisherfolk in Gaza. In the new set of resolutions endorsed by its leadership, the WFFP states “we stand in solidarity with our fisherfolk in Gaza and demand an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine”.


Read more

 

Book shop

Out Now: Pluto Press

-50% Discount

Dismantling Green Colonialism

Energy and Climate Justice in the Arab Region

Edited by Hamza Hamouchene and Katie Sandwell

ORDER NOW

Events

Photo exhibition: Guardians of seed, land and life

The exhibition is an initiative of the Southern African Rural Women’s Assembly (RWA), in partnership with the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies of the University of Johannesburg and TNI.

 

The meticulously curated exhibition portrays rural women as the central protagonists of their own stories, underscoring the significance of the seeds they guard and share. The photographs and texts spotlight the resilience and strength of rural women, honouring their subtle yet impactful activism and emphasising their crucial role in upholding and nurturing communities. The itinerary exhibition is currently touring European and Southern African cities, while its digital version can be accessed at: https://www.seeds-savers.org

Webinar: Climate Collateral - Exposing the role of militarism in the climate crisis

28 November, 16:30 - 18:00 CET

This webinar will examine options to channel wasteful, harmful military spending toward repairing both acute and diffuse socio-environmental harms and repurposing parts of the military industrial complex to drive the clean energy transition.


Register here

TNI is thrilled to announce the addition of two esteemed individuals to our board


Ferrial Adam: With an impressive 20-year tenure as an environmental justice activist in South Africa, Ferrial Adam brings a wealth of experience to our board. Her dedicated work with prominent organizations such as Earthlife Africa and Greenpeace Africa has uniquely positioned her to comprehend the intricate intersections of government, human rights, politics, and the environment, all through the lens of grassroots activism.


Zohra Moosa: Zohra has been an active participant in movements advocating for feminism, anti-racism, 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, and environmental justice. Her multifaceted involvement reflects a deep commitment to fostering positive change across diverse spheres.


Their invaluable expertise and commitment to social and environmental justice will undoubtedly contribute to TNI's ongoing mission and vision.

Project: GreenPaths –

European Knowledge Hub on Just Transition Pathways

In partnership with 12 partners from 11 countries, The Transnational Institute has started the implementation of “GreenPaths – European Knowledge Hub on Just Transition Pathways”, a major research project funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe programme.

 

Drawing on an enhanced understanding of key issues, challenges and trends on the planned transition, the GreenPaths project will enable the development and adoption of more coherent and effective policy strategies and instruments, furthering the positive outcomes and reducing the negative impacts of policy interventions on environmental sustainability and social well-being in Europe and the world.

 

Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation. The GreenPaths project was launched in Brussels in October 2023 and will have a duration of three years. For more information about the project, contact Dr Daniel Chavez <chavez[at]tni.org> or visit the project website: https://www.greenpaths.info/

Israel’s war on Gaza: A reading list


In the wake of the deadly attacks perpetrated by the militant group Hamas on October 7, Israel has initiated an indiscriminate bombing campaign targeting the besieged enclave of Gaza. This has resulted in the imposition of collective punishment on its 2.3 million residents, involving the severance of water, food, and vital fuel supplies—an egregious violation of international law tantamount to war crimes. Global voices, including UN experts, Genocide and Holocaust scholars, legal practitioners, and academics, have urgently raised alarms regarding the potential for genocide and crimes against humanity. This conflict is deeply rooted in a decades-long colonialist system of apartheid, violent occupation, and oppression inflicted by Israel upon the Palestinian people, with the ultimate aim of dispossessing them of their homeland.


Amidst this crisis, notable contributions have been made by TNI staff and associates, including those of Hamza Hamouchene, Niamh Ní Bhriain, Josephine Valeske, and Arun Kundnani. Their work sheds light on the most recent developments in Gaza and the region, offering insights and context through articles, reports, and videos sourced from our archive. These dedicated individuals bring their expertise to the forefront, contributing valuable perspectives to the ongoing discourse surrounding the conflict in the region.

View reading list
 

What we're reading

Frontex in Africa

"The EU is busy turning African countries into EU border outposts and stopping migrants on the way to Europe before they even have a chance to claim asylum. Ahead of the Abolish Frontex International Action Day on 18 December, this blog post provides an overview of Frontex’s activities on the African continent that are public knowledge.”


Podcast: Abolish Frontex


Appreciation: Mike Davis lives, in our rebel hearts


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