Commodification, Social Differentiation and the Climate Crisis in Zimbabwe

This study examines the intersections between the historical processes of commodification and resultant social differentiation and the growing climate crisis in Zimbabwe. Commodification, broadly referring to the process of resource commercialising has historically manifested itself thereby shaping ownership and access to particularly land, minerals and other natural endowments. The process resulted in entrenched social inequalities in the ownership of various critical resources. This social differentiation created economic classes and gender groups with differentiated access to land and natural resources. Within the context of the growing climate crisis in Zimbabwe, as is the world over, the wealthy classes, (rich individuals and corporations) not only have the means to cushion themselves from the adverse effects of climate change but have been significant contributors to increased CO₂ emissions and destruction of the natural environment and ecosystems through their mining activities, profit-oriented agricultural productions and their penchant for carbon-intensive luxurious lifestyles. The activities of the rich, have had the dire effects of pushing the poorer sections of the society to inconvenient spaces that worsen their plight in the face of climate change. While global scholarly attention on climate change has focused mostly on the contribution of rich countries to the global climate crisis and the effects thereof on poor underdeveloped countries, this study takes a micro-approach to examine the differential degrees to which social groups in a specific country contribute to worsening the climate crisis, and upturning efforts at mitigating the same, especially for the poorer sections of the communities. Drawing from case studies of the activities of mining and agricultural corporations (and individuals) in Zimbabwe, the study interrogates the social-class-based contradictions and paradoxes prevalent in contemporary actions against climate change. By disaggregating the carbon footprint according to social class, the study foregrounds informed climate justice actions and demands for equity in climate action.