The word “ecocide” was originally introduced by biologist Arthur Galston in 1970. Now, it’s returning to prominence in the lexicon of environmental protection, as movement accelerates to enshrine it as a new international crime. This program specifically goes after the bad actors who are committing egregious crimes of environmental degradation. As worries over climate change have soared, the compact has taken hold in dozens of countries.
Arthur Galston turned against the widespread environmental destruction brought about by the Vietnam War. He noted that we have an urgent need for accountability in actions that destroy our planet. Fifty years later, the consequences of neglecting environmental responsibility manifest in rising sea levels, biodiversity loss, and severe climate impacts. Experts advocate for legal frameworks that recognize ecocide as a crime and believe this shift could radically alter societal attitudes toward environmental stewardship.
Global Legislative Efforts
In May 2025, Scotland took a significant step by introducing a bill to criminalize ecocide, joining a growing list of countries advocating for similar legislation. Other countries including Argentina, Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Italy, the Netherlands, and Peru are already doing it. In fact, they’ve introduced legislation to combat the growing crime of ecocide. This international movement is an indication of a growing realization that we must protect our natural ecosystems—now under unprecedented threat—by affording them legal standing.
In the United Kingdom, public support for making ecocide a crime is significant, with three-out-of-four citizens (78%) supporting such a measure. Yet in spite of this broad support, a similar bill introduced in 2023 has so far failed to move through Parliament. Advocates argue that establishing a legal framework to address ecocide within the UK could position the country as a leader in global environmental policy.
Benefits of Criminalizing Ecocide
Criminalizing ecocide carries several potential benefits. It would not only provide a clear legal consequence for individuals and corporations that engage in environmentally destructive practices but serve as a deterrent against future infractions. By treating environmental harm as a criminal act rather than solely a regulatory issue, society would send a powerful message regarding its values and priorities.
With appropriate legislation, the UK could inspire other nations to adopt similar measures, fostering a culture of accountability that prioritizes ecological health.
“Treating environmental harm not merely as a regulatory issue but also as a criminal act conveys a strong message about societal values and priorities. This can change consciousness and drive meaningful changes in human behavior and policies.”
The call for action is clear. And the impacts of climate change are no longer future threats, but current realities that communities around the world are currently facing. As countries grapple with these challenges, experts urge that holding individuals accountable for environmental damage through ecocide legislation is essential for sustainable development.
A Call for Leadership
The momentum that is building around ecocide speaks to this growing realization that we need new legal tools that will protect the environment.
The momentum building around ecocide reflects a collective recognition of the necessity for legal frameworks to protect the environment.
“Embracing the campaign for the criminalization of ecocide is an opportunity for the UK to act on this consensus and position itself as a global leader, inspiring other nations to protect our planet and ultimately ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.” – Experts in The BMJ.