Green Colonialism: The Concept, The Practice, And The Narrative

The term green colonialism is used in contemporary environmental and decolonial scholarship to describe how climate action, conservation, and “green” development can reproduce historical patterns of colonial extraction.

In the supposed interest of mitigating climate change, mines, dams, wind parks, carbon credit schemes, and beyond are being implemented around the world, frequently as mega-projects decided upon without consent and accountability. Local communities are rarely consulted, their land is often classified as 'unoccupied' or "empty", and those who resist are frequently criminalised.

This is what YTN report “Green Colonialism: The Concept, The Pratice and the Narrative” and the tracker #TraceTheGrab intends to document. To demonstrate that these are not isolated cases, but part of a systemic and transnational pattern.

In this report, we draw on the concept of green colonialism and illustrate the practice through five empirical case studies. Each case study represents a different continent, a different manifestation of the pattern, and a different scale of impact.

In line with our commitment to accuracy, transparency, and constructive dialogue, we welcome feedback on this report from all relevant stakeholders. If you are featured in or impacted by this report and would like to provide an official response, updates, additional context, or corrections, please contact us at (admin@ytngroup.org).

We recognise that some actors referenced in this report may wish to present their perspective or contest our analysis. We are dedicated to maintaining an open channel for informed discussion and will consider substantive responses for inclusion in supplementary materials or eventual editions of this report. Responses should be submitted within 60 days after publication of this report and will be evaluated for factual accuracy, relevance, and good faith engagement.