This page offers a glossary for the main themes and concepts of Coastal Commons: Beyond North Sea Extractivism. We hope it will help you engage with the discussions and conversations of the programme. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you feel that any definition is missing

• Extractivism refers to the practice of extracting and exploiting natural resources, such as minerals, fossil fuels, or timber, often for export and profit. It often involves intensive and unsustainable extraction methods that can have detrimental social, economic, and environmental impacts on affected communities and ecosystems.
• The Global South refers to countries located primarily in the Southern Hemisphere, often characterized by lower levels of economic development, political influence, and infrastructure compared to countries in the Global North. It is a term used to highlight the disparities in global power and resources caused among other factors by colonialism
• Anti-colonial/ Decolonial actions are the opposition to colonialism through political, social, and cultural resistance. They encompass movements seeking sovereignty, autonomy, and independence from colonial powers, challenging oppressive policies and reclaiming indigenous rights and identities.
• Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private ownership of resources and means of production, driven by profit-seeking and competition. It emphasizes the pursuit of individual self-interest over that of community’s encouraging investment, entrepreneurship, and the accumulation of wealth. It carries risks of inequality and exploitation.
• Neoliberalism is an economic and political ideology that emphasizes free markets, deregulation, privatization, and reduced government intervention. It promotes individual self-interest and profit-driven competition, often resulting in increased inequality and a focus on economic efficiency over social welfare.
• Globalization refers to the increasing interconnection of countries and societies through global trade, communication, and cultural exchange. It involves the movement of goods, services, ideas, and people across borders, leading to both opportunities for growth and challenges such as inequality and cultural homogenization.
• Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources formed from ancient organic matter, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. They are widely used for energy production due to their high energy density but contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and climate change.
• Petrocapitalism is a form of capital accumulation founded on the extraction, distribution, and consumption of petroleum and its byproducts.
• Renewable energies are sources of energy derived from natural resources that can be replenished or regenerated over time. They include solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass energy, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels and contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy system.
• Sustainability refers to the ability to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, by balancing environmental, social, and economic factors for long-term well-being and resilience.