Italian constitution modified to protect the environment

On 8th February 2022 the Italian parliament (Camera dei Deputati) approved proposals to adjust the constitution to protect “the environment, biodiversity and ecosystem, including in the interests of future generations”.  The kinds of harm the constitution aims to protect against were expanded to include damage to  “health and the environment”.  Protection of animals has also been recognised.  Watch the live discussion HERE. 

The Minister of Ecological Transition, Roberto Cingolani described it as an “epochal day”. Media coverage HERE. The vote places Italy among leading states globally with respect to constitutional protection for the natural living world, in particular with respect to the acknowledgment of impacts on generations to come, and could pave the way to consideration of ecocide law.