Mining-hydrocarbon extractivism versus bioeconomy in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Venezuelan case in times of climate change

Abstract

This article aims to discuss underground extractivism as a barrier that prevents overcoming the Latin American Business As Usual (BAU), based on the export of raw materials that keeps the region in a situation of global environmental, social and economic lag. The article adopts a reflective essay modality. It begins with an approach to the dilemma between economy based on extractivism and bioeconomy in Latin America. To do this, we present regional data that has been collected systematically over the last ten years. We argue that the production of hydrocarbon commodities is carried out at the cost of the alienation and dispossession of the territories of the communities, as well as the destruction of their ecological bases of sustenance. These losses have implications both for the well-being and health of local populations and for taking advantage of the opportunities of the alternative bioeconomy for social inclusion. In this way, the dilemma implied by hydrocarbon activities is raised: while they benefit the external sector of the national economies, they also destruct fundamental resources for the development of the local bioeconomy.