By Alexander Dunlap Wind Energy is undoubtedly my favorite of all the energy systems, which retains an immense potential for eco-logical sustainability. This potential, however, can be utopic, dystopic or somewhere in between, which is intimately intertwined with the futures people wish to create. Before moving to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec region in Oaxaca, Mexico to investigate the impact of renewable energy on semi-subsistent Indigenous groups (Zapotec and Ikoot), I knew that wind projects triggered, what is known in political ecology as, ecological distribution conflicts. These are conflicts arising from development projects that affirm regional power inequalities, unequal distribution of benefits and negative ecological impacts without adequate compensation. This type of conflict was visible in the Isthmus, intertwining with the regional historical and institutional context. That said there are other far reaching and often neglected implications of wind energy development.
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By Caroline van Slobbe Now, it is all over. I went to Cuba, wrote my MA thesis, and in July received an email that I graduated. Wow, that sounds so simple, and quick. Still, when I look through my pictures or lay down in the park (I finally have time for that), I recall some of the great moments. I will share some of them here:
Door Freek Colombijn Ik was met een vriend onderweg naar een interview op een fabriek waar plastic wordt gerecycled. Mijn Indonesische vriend had aangeboden me te vergezellen, wat ik in de eerste plaats heel gezellig vond, maar me ook het gemak van een eigen auto gaf. Op de heenweg kwamen we bij de plaats Sidoarjo (Oost-Java) langs een hoge wal van blokken steen versterkt met gaas van ijzerdraad. Hij vertelde dat hierachter de moddervlakte lag, die veroorzaakt was door gasboringen door het bedrijf PT Lapindo Brantas (of kortweg: Lapindo). Ik vroeg hem om op de terugweg te stoppen, zodat we even op de plaats des onheils konden kijken.
