To Cook a Continent: Destructive Extraction and the Climate Crisis in Africa
Author(s): Nnimmo Bassey (Author)
Publisher: Pambazuka Press
Publication Date: 7 Nov. 2011
Language: English
Print length: 204 pages
ISBN-10: 1906387532
ISBN-13: 9781906387532
Book Description
People in Africa argue that natural resources are a blessing; it is the way these are plundered and used that can turn them into a curse. The continent has plenty of experience of such plunder. Rich in resources, Africa is a net supplier of energy and raw materials to the North. The climate crisis confronting the world today is rooted mainly in the wealthy economies’ abuse of fossil fuels, indigenous forests and global commercial agriculture. But, without agreement about how to tackle this reality, the question often becomes what can be done about Africa. Or, sometimes, for Africa. This book looks at what has been done to Africa and how Africans should respond for the good of all. Bassey examines the oil industry in Africa, probes the roots of global warming, warns of its insidious impacts and explores false ‘solutions’. Crucially, his intelligent and wide-ranging approach demonstrates that the issues around natural resource exploitation, corporate profiteering and climate change must be considered together if we are to save ourselves. What can Africa do? And can the rest of the world act in solidarity? If not, will we continue on the path laid out by elites that brings us ever closer to the brink? Many live in denial even as ecological and social disasters increase, but this is not inevitable and Bassey suggests how Africa can overcome the crises of environment and global warming.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“A provocative critique of contemporary resource extraction (perhaps more properly, resource exploitation) in sub-Saharan Africa. In his convincing, and at times searing, analysis, Bassey presents an engaging and comprehensive critique of Africa’s social and environmental crisis.” Chatham House“
“Africa and their environment. His refreshing style makes his insights extremely accessible. His sweeping analysis of the continent’s challenges, coming from one of Africa’s foremost environmentalists, is an inspiration to action.” David Fig, Chair of Biowatch South Africa and author,
Staking Their Claims“
“An extremely insightful and eloquent book about what Africa can do to stop the new forms of colonisation that are being exaggerated by the chaos of climate change.” Pablo Solon, former Bolivian ambassador to the United Nations”
“For those who are still skeptical of the effects of climate change, this will leave you not only bothered and troubled, but also fired up to do something about it.”
Nigerian Compass“
“From slaves to diamonds to oil, overconsuming countries have taken what they want from Africa for too long. Bassey lays out this history in rich detail and makes clear what Africa wants: Justice. Read it and join Bassey’s call.” Annie Leonard, author,
The Story of Stuff“
“This powerful indictment of greed and ravaging of Africa’s riches yet offers prospects for hope.” Camilla Toulmin, Chair of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)”
About the Author
Nnimmo Bassey is an activist, a poet, the executive director of Environmental Rights Action inNigeria, and the elected chair of Friends of the Earth International. He is one of Time magazine s 2009 Heroes of the Environment and the corecipient of the prestigious Right Livelihood Award. He is the author of Genetically Modified Organisms and Oilwatching in South America.”
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