UK: Ecocide amendment submitted to Environment Bill

Baroness (Natalie) Bennett of Manor Castle, former leader of the UK Green Party, has submitted an ecocide amendment to the Environment Bill currently making its way through the House of Lords (the UK’s upper chamber).

This is the first time a potential crime of ecocide has been recorded in a UK government bill, and it is likely to be discussed before Parliament goes into recess for the summer.

The amendment, if passed in both Houses, would have the UK lead on a Rome Statute proposal:

• Amendment 287

• “International crime of ecocide

  • (1)  It is an objective of Her Majesty’s Government to support the negotiation of an amendment to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to establish a crime of ecocide.

  • (2)  In pursuance of subsection(1), a relevant Minister of the Crown must propose, either independently or jointly with other sovereign states, an amendment to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court within 12 months of the passing of this Act.

  • (3)  In this section “ecocide” refers to harm to nature which is severe and widespread or long-term.”

We believe this is a real political opportunity for the UK government.

The context is clear: the UNFCCC’s COP26 climate talks are to be hosted in Glasgow in November and are being touted as a “make-or-break” point for the planet’s future; the latest IPCC/IPBES report makes it clear that climate and ecology crises must be addressed together.  Ecocide law can do this.  

Supporting an international crime of ecocide would show clear, appropriate and decisive leadership, while at the same time calling on the international community to step up alongside - as of course it must do, if we are to protect our planet’s precious life-support systems and our children’s futures.