Imperialism and Ecological Violence

Ecological Marxist James O’Connor argues “capitalism undermines the factors that sustain it, such as human labour and the environment.” (32) Simon’s lecture on Imperialism and ecological violence reinforced ecological Marxist notions, the exploitation of humans and the environment to increase capital gain. Simon discussed the notion that under capitalist regime money becomes the dominant criteria of worth. Thus, capital determines value. The negative impacts of this are illustrated in the resulting human crisis, as discussed by Simon, whereby human beings are working harder and for longer, and in the ecological violence that occurs on a global scale. Neither humans, nor the environment are given a chance to replenish and rejuvenate, as the demand for ever-increasing production and consumption will not allow it. Imperial relations in third world countries have allowed the West to capitalize on resources and cheap human labour to expand and increase production and consumption. Simon’s discussion of his work in the rose industry in India illustrates the way in which capitalism is undervaluing the parts that sustain it. The growth of roses in a dry region demand a significant amount of water – this will create future problems in the region as the water supply declines and will result in ecological damage and create an unsustainable environment for humans. However, the resulting capital gain is valued more than the parts that sustain it, the environment and human beings.