Capitalism and the Sea: A Long Tail of Exploitation

The history of capitalism is inextricably linked to the history of the sea. From the earliest days of trade and exploration, the sea has been a source of wealth and power for those who control it. But the relationship between capitalism and the sea has also been one of exploitation and destruction.

Capitalism and the Sea: The Maritime Factor in the Making of the Modern World

by Liam Campling

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Language	:	English
File size	:	2506 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	424 pages

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The first major wave of European colonialism was driven by the desire to control trade routes and access to resources. The Spanish and Portuguese empires were built on the back of the slave trade and the plunder of the New World. The British Empire, which would eventually become the world's largest, was built on the back of the Industrial Revolution and the exploitation of coal and other fossil fuels.

The Industrial Revolution led to a massive increase in the consumption of resources and the production of waste. This pollution was dumped into the sea, which led to the decline of fish stocks and other marine life. The burning of fossil fuels also contributed to climate change, which is now causing the oceans to rise and become more acidic.

The effects of capitalism on the sea are not just environmental. The commodification of the sea has also led to the displacement of indigenous peoples and the loss of traditional ways of life. In many parts of the world, the sea is now seen as a resource to be exploited, rather than a shared space to be protected.

The relationship between capitalism and the sea is a complex one. On the one hand, capitalism has led to the development of new technologies and industries that have benefited humanity. On the other hand, capitalism has also led to the exploitation and destruction of the sea. It is time for us to rethink our relationship with the sea and to develop a more sustainable and just way of living with it.

Here are some specific examples of the ways in which capitalism has exploited and destroyed the sea:

• Overfishing: The demand for fish has led to the overfishing of many species, which has caused the collapse of fish stocks and the disruption of marine ecosystems.
• Pollution: The dumping of industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and sewage into the sea has caused widespread pollution and the death of marine life.
• Climate change: The burning of fossil fuels has contributed to climate change, which is causing the oceans to rise and become more acidic. This is harming marine life and threatening coastal communities.
• Displacement of indigenous peoples: The commodification of the sea has led to the displacement of indigenous peoples who have traditionally relied on the sea for their livelihoods.

These are just a few examples of the ways in which capitalism has exploited and destroyed the sea. It is time for us to rethink our relationship with the sea and to develop a more sustainable and just way of living with it.

Capitalism and the Sea: The Maritime Factor in the Making of the Modern World

by Liam Campling

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2506 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	424 pages

FREE