Thea (Theria) Riofrancos

Thea Riofrancos, associate professor and author of Extraction, studies the politics of resource extraction and climate policy. She discusses how renewables need vast new mining, contrasts EVs and fossil systems, examines geopolitical strains around mineral supply chains, and explores how tech growth and countries like Indonesia reshape extraction dynamics.

Thea Riofrancos, a political scientist and author of "Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism," discusses the complexities of lithium extraction essential for green technology. She critiques the mining industry's volatility and colonial legacies while exploring the environmental impact of electric vehicles. Meanwhile, Alyssa Battistoni, an assistant professor and author of "Free Gifts," delves into the political economy of nature, arguing for a rethinking of our relationship with ecosystems and advocating for socialized commons management.

Thea Riofrancos, an Associate Professor of Political Science and a leading voice on resource extraction, delves into the complex world of lithium mining in her latest book, focusing on the environmental costs of green capitalism. She highlights the ethical dilemma we face: can we achieve decarbonization without harming our planet? Thea also discusses the geopolitical implications of lithium supply chains, the rising role of China, and the transformative potential of reshoring in the U.S. as we navigate the future of clean energy.

Thea Riofrancos, an Associate Professor of Political Science and expert on resource extraction, dives into the complex relationship between lithium mining and green capitalism. She highlights how lithium is crucial for electric vehicles but poses environmental challenges. Thea discusses the ethical dilemmas of energy transition and the implications of mining on Global South communities. By examining geopolitical dynamics, she emphasizes the need for careful governance in pursuing sustainable solutions. Her insights on supply chains and the balance of local needs with global pressures are thought-provoking.

Thea Riofrancos, a political scientist and environmentalist, discusses her book on lithium extraction and its geopolitical implications. She reveals how lithium, essential for modern tech and the green transition, shapes global power dynamics. Thea highlights Latin America's resource nationalism, the community impacts of mining, and the contrasting strategies of the US and China in securing lithium supply. She critiques assumptions about rising demand, advocating for policy shifts to reduce reliance on mining. This compelling exploration merges environmentalism with politics.