From Extraction to Regeneration

Rethinking Our Future: From Colonialism to Critical Minerals – A New Approach to Regeneration

As the world struggles with a climate crisis and the need for a sustainable future, we are forced to confront the uncomfortable realities that have led us here. History has shaped our world in profound ways, but the systems and ideologies that once fueled progress are now threatening the planet’s ability to sustain life as we know it. At the heart of this existential crisis are two interconnected stories: one of exploitation and colonialism, and the other of modern resource extraction in the name of technological advancement. Together, they beg a fundamental question: what kind of future are we building, and at what cost?

The Legacy of Exploitation

For centuries, human progress has been synonymous with extraction. Empires expanded by conquering lands and extracting their resources, caring little for the people who lived there or the ecosystems that thrived. Colonialism was, at its core, a system of resource exploitation—of people, land, and wealth. The scars of this history are still visible today, from marginalized communities struggling to rebuild after generations of dispossession, to ecosystems ravaged by unsustainable practices.

In the fight for a healthy planet and human survival, this legacy cannot be ignored. The communities most vulnerable to the effects of climate change - rising sea levels, droughts, and extreme weather - are often those who have already suffered under the weight of colonial exploitation. Their lands were taken, their resources extracted, and now they face environmental degradation. A true response to climate change cannot simply focus on reducing emissions; it must first address the historical inequalities that continue to shape our world.

And the problem runs even deeper. The systems of power and control that facilitated colonialism are still at play today. Extractive industries continue to thrive, often operating in ways that mirror the exploitative practices of the past. Whether it’s the extraction of fossil fuels or the clearing of forests for agriculture, the logic of taking without giving back persists. This model of progress - built on the belief that endless consumption and growth are possible - has brought us to the brink of environmental collapse.

The New Frontier of Extraction

As we turn to solutions for the climate crisis, a new kind of extraction has taken center stage. The race for critical minerals - such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements -has become the new frontier. These materials are essential for the technologies that promise a more sustainable future, from electric vehicles to renewable energy systems. On the surface, it appears we are moving toward a greener world, one powered by clean energy and technological innovation.

Yet, this push for critical minerals raises many of the same concerns as the extractive practices of the past. The competition for these resources has become a geopolitical scramble, with powerful nations vying for control over supplies. Countries with mineral-rich deposits find themselves caught in the middle, as international actors seek to secure their share of the future’s “green gold.”

The question we must ask is whether this race for minerals is truly about sustainability or simply another iteration of resource extraction, driven by profit and power. While the demand for these materials is undeniably tied to the energy transition, we must be cautious not to repeat the mistakes of the past by allowing extraction to continue unchecked. The communities living on the frontlines of mineral extraction - often in so-called developing nations - are already feeling the impacts, from environmental destruction to social displacement. If we are not careful, the pursuit of a sustainable future may come at the cost of further exploitation and inequality.

A New Way of Thinking and Acting

Both our colonial past and our current scramble for critical minerals force us to reflect on a deeper issue: the systems of extraction that have shaped our world must be fundamentally questioned. We cannot hope to solve the climate crisis or secure a sustainable future with the same thinking that created these problems in the first place.

Historically, we have built our economies and societies on the assumption that the earth’s resources are limitless and that human ingenuity will always find a way to extract more. But this mindset has brought us to the brink of ecological collapse. It’s time to rethink not just how we extract resources, but why. Is consumption truly the path to progress? Or do we need to embrace new models that prioritize regeneration and equity?

From Extraction to Regeneration

The solutions to the climate crisis and resource scarcity do not lie in finding new ways to extract more from the earth. Instead, they lie in reimagining how we interact with the planet. Indigenous communities, whose lands have often been the first to be exploited, have long practiced sustainable living in harmony with nature. Their knowledge and leadership offer valuable insights into how we can build a future that prioritizes regeneration over extraction.

Decolonizing our approach to regeneration means moving away from the mindset that we can continue to take from the earth without controllable consequences. It means recognizing the rights of communities to master - their own lands and resources, and ensuring that the benefits of any development are shared equitably. It also means to acknowledge that the path to our survival is not through more extraction but through preservation and regeneration.

A Future Worth Building

As we reflect on the world we want to live in, the path forward is clear: we need new models of progress, grounded in sustainability, equity, and regeneration. This requires a fundamental shift in how we think about resources, consumption, and development. It is not enough to focus on technological solutions; we must also address the underlying systems of extraction and exploitation that have shaped our world for centuries.

Ultimately, the future we choose to create will be shaped by the values we prioritize today. Do we continue the extractive practices of the past, or do we embrace a new vision—one where sustainability is built on collaboration, equity, and respect for both people and the planet? The choice and responsibility are ours, but the window for action is closing.

References.

Atmos: https://atmos.earth/ipcc-report-colonialism-climate-change/

Circular World Media, Adrienna Zsakay "The Geopolitics of Minerals Security" Minerals Security Partnership ' published by the IEA, updated 06 May 2024

'Policy paper - Resilience for the Future: The UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy ' published by the UK Government, 13 March 2023

'Geopolitics of the Energy Transition - Critical Materials ' published by the International Renewable Energy Agency, date unknown.

'Critical Minerals Supply Chains: The Minerals Security Partnership and Trade-Related Challenges ' by Jasper Wauters and Nikolas Hertel, published by White & Case, an international legal practice comprising White & Case LLP, a New York State registered limited liability partnership, 07 October 2024