Ecocide is broadly understood as mass damage and destruction of nature, a root cause of the climate and ecological emergency that we now face.
While most human interaction with the environment creates some level of impact, ecocide refers only to the very worst harms, usually on a major industrial scale or impacting a huge area.
Below are examples of industrial sectors and contexts where unlawful or reckless conduct could cause this level of harm.
Scientific and on-the-ground knowledge of risks to nature, climate and people in specific contexts is extensive, and readily available to decision-makers in policy and industry. Legal recognition of ecocide will serve as an important incentive to ensure that this information is properly consulted, so that where there is a threat of severe and either widespread or long-term damage, the danger will be taken very seriously and appropriate safety protocols will be employed or, if need be, alternative approaches developed, in order to protect nature and avoid criminal liability.
OCEAN DAMAGE
DEFORESTATION
The biggest combined threat to biodiversity and climate on the planet is deforestation, especially of tropical rainforests which harbour the richest ecosystems and actively moderate the global climate
LAND & WATER CONTAMINATION
AIR POLLUTION
Climate and ecological emergency is the result of many years of these harmful industrial activities. Most of the risks have been known for decades by the companies choosing to continue these practices. The responsibility lies with decisions made at the top of industry, finance and government.
As citizens we can and must take responsibility for what we eat and buy, but ordinary citizens do not make those high level investment and policy decisions. Ordinary citizens cannot therefore be blamed for ecocide.
But we can help to stop it. Next up - how to make it a CRIME…