Harvard University’s Extraction of Land and Climate Injustice Exposed
Harvard University, known for its dedication to sustainability and justice, is facing criticism over its involvement in land extraction and climate injustice. While Harvard pledges to lead the fight against the climate crisis and prioritize equity, its highest priority, according to the Harvard Management Company, is to maintain and increase its endowment.
One of the ways this tension is evident is through Harvard’s historically close ties to the fossil fuel industry. Although the university moved to divest from fossil fuel investments in 2021, various research programs still receive funding from fossil fuel companies.
Another issue is Harvard’s extractive relationship with land. Following the 2008 financial crisis, the university began acquiring agricultural land and other natural resource assets as part of its investment diversification strategy. Over the years, Harvard spent over a billion dollars to amass land in different parts of the world, including South America, South Africa, Eastern Europe, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
The environmental impact of these land acquisitions has been devastating. Natural forests in Brazil were cut down and burned, leading to extreme deforestation and exacerbating the effects of the climate crisis. Furthermore, the excessive use of toxic chemicals contaminated water sources, affecting local communities who rely on them for drinking and fishing.
Indigenous and local communities also suffered as Harvard fenced off land that was previously accessible to them, depriving them of their traditional livelihoods. There are allegations of forced displacement through tactics such as division, bribery, and intimidation.
Harvard cannot claim ignorance, as court documents have revealed that the university was aware of the potential for massive deforestation and conflicts with local communities in some of its land holdings. Despite this knowledge, Harvard proceeded with the acquisitions and eventual sales of the lands.
These land practices are inconsistent with Harvard College’s core mission of education and do not align with the university’s ideals of sustainability and equity. Instead, they prioritize profits over environmental and social considerations.
Since facing scrutiny in 2018 for its land acquisition practices, Harvard has made efforts to sell off most of these holdings. However, many of the lands have remained idle, and indigenous inhabitants have been kept away by security guards, compounding the injustice.
There have been recent victories for groups like Stop Harvard Land Grabs, which have exposed and opposed Harvard’s exploitative practices. Local communities and activists have successfully campaigned against projects that could have further harmed the environment and limited water access.
Although it is encouraging to see communities and activists standing up against Harvard’s extractive practices, the fact that they have to fight against the university instead of receiving support is a clear indication of the imbalance of power.
Harvard’s immense wealth does not have to contradict its environmental mission. The university has the resources to prioritize sustainability efforts and enhance student life without engaging in environmental injustices elsewhere. However, as long as profits are gained at the expense of vulnerable communities, Harvard cannot claim to prioritize equity and well-being. Sacrificing the rights of these communities in the name of sustainability is unacceptable.
Harvard’s transition away from extractive land practices is still incomplete, despite efforts to sell off the acquired lands. The university should commit to ending not just individual investments but the practice of land grabbing as a whole. Additionally, Harvard should take responsibility for the harm caused by its past actions and provide reparations to the affected communities.
Furthermore, Harvard needs to reassess how it ethically manages its immense endowment, which exceeds the GDP of some nations. The university must confront this issue directly and choose between pursuing wealth or prioritizing environmental justice. Only one of these can be Harvard’s central priority, and it’s high time for the university to make the right choice.
