‘What is left environmental history?’

Submissions should contribute answers to this question. In a number of important ways, left and environmental movements have the capacity to offer a mutually reinforcing critique of a global capitalist order that is defined by unchecked accumulation for the benefit of the few at the expense of the many. But while historically ‘reds’ and ‘greens’ have occasionally joined together in mutual condemnation of certain environmental and social practices, the two political movements have diverged in fundamental ways in most industrialized nations. In the interests of building a stronger mutual critique, left historians have an important role to play in uncovering the roots of this fractured relationship and in offering critical examinations of a capitalist order that is dependent upon the joint exploitation of both workers and the natural world.

The question ‘What is left environmental history?’ is therefore about more than political movements; Left History welcomes research articles, theoretical pieces, reviews, and artwork that address any aspect of the historical relationship between the left and the environment. Potential topics could include critical examinations of the relationship between Marxist and ecological theory, race and gender in environmental activism, the interaction between environmental and labour activists, or workplace struggles over environmental and occupational health issues.

Manuscripts should ideally be 20 to 30 pages, or 10,000 words, and should be submitted electronically to the email address below. Please ensure that all formatting and footnotes meet the guidelines for authors found on our website, www.yorku.ca/lefhist. The deadline for submissions is December 1, 2007.