There is a strong connection between the exploitation of the earth and the exploitation of women. Research, commission reports, and the advocacy of Indigenous women have shown that the practice of fossil fuel extraction is a violent practice. Women are disproportionately affected by climate change and burdened with mitigating and adapting to its impacts. In addition, they are faced with physical threats as a result of fossil fuel extraction and its man camps. Petro-masculinity is a concept exploring the link between fossil fuel production, male identity, and the risk posed for post-carbon energy policies. Since men, white men especially, benefit from fossil fuel production, women and their resistance is viewed as feminine work. Dismantling patriarchal structures is a fight for both the earth and for women. Photo credit: Sascha Steinbach/Greenpeace
