ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors address the question of extractivism as it relates to the matter of energy security, a critical factor and major consideration in regard to moving forward at the level of macroeconomic policy and the Green Energy Transition. The chapter advances the argument that substituting coal, oil and gas as energy sources with wind, sun, water and land extends and prolongs rather than reduces extractivism. It does so first by privatising these public goods to transform them into electricity and generate income from their sale on domestic and foreign markets; and second by increasing the production and consumption of strategic metals and minerals. The chapter points to the little progress made by green energies in Canada, the USA and Mexico, according to purpose-designed indexes. Achieving energy security goals implies greater extractivism. The chapter then presents some options to reduce the effects of energy extractivism and transition towards safe and equitable energy from an environmental and social point of view.
