To Cook a Continent: Destructive Extraction and Climate Crisis in Africa [Paperback]

Nnimmo Bassey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2012 | ISBN-10: 1906387532 | ISBN-13: 978-1906387532

Arguing that the climate crisis confronting the world today is rooted mainly in the wealthy economies’ abuse of fossil fuels, indigenous forests, and global commercial agriculture, this important book investigates how Africa has been exploited and how Africans should respond for the good of all. As it examines the oil industry in Africa and probes the causes of global warming, this record warns of its insidious impacts and explores false solutions. Demonstrating that the issues around natural resource exploitation, corporate profiteering, and climate change must be considered together if the planet is to be saved, the book suggests how Africa can overcome the crises of environment and global warming.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A provocative critique of contemporary resource extraction (perhaps more properly, resource exploitation) in sub-Saharan Africa. In his convincing, and at times searing, analysis, Bassey presents an engaging and comprehensive critique of Africa's social and environmental crisis." —Chatham House

"From slaves to diamonds to oil, overconsuming countries have taken what they want from Africa for too long. Bassey lays out this history in rich detail and makes clear what Africa wants: Justice. Read it and join Bassey's call." —Annie Leonard, author, The Story of Stuff

"An extremely insightful and eloquent book about what Africa can do to stop the new forms of colonisation that are being exaggerated by the chaos of climate change." —Pablo Solon, former Bolivian ambassador to the United Nations

"This powerful indictment of greed and ravaging of Africa's riches yet offers prospects for hope." —Camilla Toulmin, Chair of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)

"Africa and their environment. His refreshing style makes his insights extremely accessible. His sweeping analysis of the continent's challenges, coming from one of Africa's foremost environmentalists, is an inspiration to action." —David Fig, Chair of Biowatch South Africa and author, Staking Their Claims

"For those who are still skeptical of the effects of climate change, this will leave you not only bothered and troubled, but also fired up to do something about it." —Nigerian Compass

About the Author

Nnimmo Bassey is an activist, a poet, the executive director of Environmental Rights Action in Nigeria, and the elected chair of Friends of the Earth International. He is one of Time magazine’s 2009 Heroes of the Environment and the corecipient of the prestigious Right Livelihood Award. He is the author of Genetically Modified Organisms and Oilwatching in South America.

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: Pambazuka Press (February 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1906387532
• ISBN-13: 978-1906387532
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.4 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #877,527 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of To Cook a Continent April 1, 2013

By Jane Piazza

Amazon Verified Purchase

I learned a lot from reading this book. The book makes a lot of connections historically and economically that are usually kept hidden. Much gratitude to the writer, especially as it seems that we are up to more mischief in Africa now.