The socioenvironmental implications of natural resource’s mercantilization to the human society

Abstract

This article aims to advance understanding of the socioenvironmental implications of natural resource’s mercantilization to the human society. This academic research had the following specific objectives:  to identify the evolution of the Brazilian environmental laws since the colonial period, to investigate the triad relation amongst economy, law and environment, and, lastly, to comprehend and evaluate the implications of the mercantilization of the natural resources to the human society. Methodologically, the research was carried out from bibliographical sources that culminated in the connection between the socioenvironmental premises and the actual mode of production and consumption, that results in the improper use of natural resources on the pretext of economic growth. Furthermore, the method used to carry out this research was deductive.