As the economy expands, ever greater quantities of materials and energy need to be extracted and then disposed of - these processes lead to environmental degradation and the release of pollutants into the atmosphere. Moreover, they often take place far away from the points of consumption, jeopardizing the livelihoods of local communities. Economic growth thus leads to increasing cases of environmental conflicts - with communities clamouring for environmental justice. These conflicts often take place in remote areas, or what we call the "commodity frontiers". This video showcases the work of students at the the Institute of Environmental Sciences at the Autonomous University of Barcelona through 12 case studies about different types of eco-conflicts.

Between March and April 2020 almost all of humanity have been confined to their homes due to the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic. This confinement, with its uncertain end, has revealed to many the incalculable value of a window. But, does everybody have one?  

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2 Muestra de Vídeo Independiente de Barcelona 1994.

Urban Rhizomes is a workshop exploring the ambivalence of the natural world and social movements. Through an examination of certain trees and plants that contain both productive and destructive elements, we question political tendencies that reduce discourse to good/bad dichotomies. We can learn from and utilize natural forces in order to build the world we want to live in today without waiting for the collapse-in-progress to arrive in full force.

Urban Rhizomes is a workshop that explores the ambivalence of the natural world and social movements. Through an examination of certain trees and plants that contain both productive and destructive elements, we question political tendencies that reduce discourse to good/bad dichotomies. We can learn from and utilize natural forces in order to build the world we want to live in today without waiting for the collapse-in-progress to arrive in full force.