ABSTRACT
Energy supply is a cornerstone of economic development and Latin American electricity needs are projected to grow 90% by 2040. Regional power sources demonstrate energy violence, defined as intentional or disproportionate injury or harm during the energy lifecycle. This chapter identifies cross-national types of violence in the energy sector. It analyzes violence in eight hydro and natural gas case studies in six countries. Historically, large-scale energy generation created exploitation, conflict, and violence for Indigenous and Afro-descendent Peoples in Latin America. Energy violence exists within broad social and institutional inequality, meaning lack of access to public health services in low-income frontline communities with O&G pollution in their air and water every day. The chapter also examines four gas projects in Argentina, Mexico, Panama, and Peru.
