An MSP has hailed “momentum” behind the drive to introduce a new crime of “ecocide” after it took a massive step towards becoming international law. For the first time, ecocide is now under consideration by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to formally become the fifth international crime after genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.
It would mean the ICC, based in the Hague in the Netherlands, could put people on trial for the most severe crimes against the environment. Scottish Labour politician Monica Lennon, who is spearheading efforts to introduce an ecocide law in Scotland, said the plan is “our best hope of securing a liveable planet”.
Campaigners said the bid to amend the Rome Statute of international crimes to include ecocide marked a major milestone in efforts to bring eco criminals trashing the planet to justice.
Ecocide, as proposed by ICC member states Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa, would mean individuals in positions of responsibility – such as heads of governments or big companies – could be prosecuted for causing severe eco damage.
It could see people held criminally liable for actions like massive oil or chemical spills, cutting down rainforests or destroying river systems.
Labour MSP Lennon is bringing an Ecocide Prevention Bill to Holyrood which could see the worst environmental vandals face up to 20 years in jail or massive fines.
She told the Record: “This historic bid by Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa to make ecocide an international crime is our best hope of securing a liveable planet for current and future generations.
“Without ecocide law we are in a losing battle against the eco criminals waging war on the climate and nature.
“Momentum is with the ecocide law movement, with action building in communities, nations and international bodies, including the Scottish Parliament where my Ecocide Prevention Bill is progressing.”
Professor Philippe Sands KC of University College London, who helped produce the legal definition of ecocide, said: “Ecocide is now firmly on the agenda – a vital and necessary moment for an effective international law.
“This development reflects a growing recognition that severe environmental destruction deserves the same legal accountability as other grave international crimes… I urge member states to support this initiative.”
“I urge member states to support this initiative, to recognise that the Rome Statute as drafted cannot adequately address environmental harms, and that this is a moment of generational change – one that is needed to safeguard our environment and signal to coming generations that the world is truly serious about doing so.”
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