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3rd August 2026
3rd August 2026
Written by Harsh Sagar, GYBN UK Operations Officer
Written by Harsh Sagar, GYBN UK Operations Officer
From the current climate crisis to oil spills in the sea, deforestation and biodiversity loss, environmental destruction has become impossible to ignore. In recent years, a single word has begun appearing more frequently in political debates, international conferences and (social) media headlines: ecocide.
But what exactly does ecocide mean, and why has it become one of the most discussed ideas in the international sphere?
What is Ecocide?
Put simply, ecocide refers to the widespread or severe destruction of the natural environment.
Unlike environmental offences under domestic law, the idea of ecocide is much broader. Supporters of an ecocide crime argue that the most serious acts of environmental destruction are those causing long-term, widespread or irreversible harm and thus, should be treated as international crimes, alongside genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.
While there is currently no internationally recognised crime of ecocide, momentum behind the proposal has grown rapidly over the past decade. One of the most influential definitions was developed in 2021 by the Independent Expert Panel for the Stop Ecocide Foundation. It defines ecocide as:
"ecocide means unlawful or wanton acts committed with the knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused by those acts."
Although this definition has no legal force, it has become the foundation for many discussions about recognising ecocide in international law.
Why is everyone talking about Ecocide now?
Environmental harm is nothing new, so why has ecocide suddenly become part of mainstream conversation? There are multiple reasons why this topic is being spoken about more now than ever, but some that are talked about the most are:
The climate and biodiversity crises are accelerating
Scientific evidence shows that climate change and biodiversity loss are occurring at unprecedented rates, even faster than previously thought. Extreme weather events, habitat destruction and species extinction are no longer distant threats, they are happening every day. As governments continue to struggle to meet international environmental commitments, many believe stronger legal accountability is needed.
Growing Legal Recognition for a crime against the environment
Nations like Mauritius have criminalised ecocide domestically, while countries like Belgium and France have introduced regional legislative measures. There has also now been a global push, with lawmakers in places like the Philippines and Ghana who are actively introducing or urging parliaments to pass ecocide bills. Additionally, Pacific island nations are also formally leading pushes at the International Criminal Court to recognise ecocide alongside genocide and war crimes. This stronger growing legal recognition has made ecocide hard to ignore for governments and lawmakers.
More case studies can be found at: https://www.stopecocide.earth/
The UK and Ecocide
While ecocide has yet to become an international crime, discussions have increasingly reached Westminster and the devolved countries.
Over the past few years, parliamentarians have introduced proposals seeking to recognise ecocide within UK law. These proposals have generally taken the form of Private Members' Bills, aiming either to create a domestic offence of ecocide or to encourage the UK Government to support recognition of ecocide internationally.
On November 30, 2023, a bill was introduced in UK Parliament by Baroness Rosie Boycott to introduce a new crime of ecocide into law. The first reading stage is a formality that signals the start of the bill’s journey through the Lords. The second reading, the general debate on all aspects of the bill, is yet to be scheduled.
On 5 February 2026, the Scottish Parliament voted to progress the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill to the next stage of the parliamentary process to decide if it will become an Act. The proposed Ecocide Bill aimed to deter mass environmental damage and destruction taking place in Scotland and aimed to introduce the crime of ecocide into Scots Law. Unfortunately, The Bill fell at the dissolution of Parliament on 8 April 2026. These Bills can be reintroduced in the next session, and the process would begin again from the start.
Although none of these proposals have yet become law, they have demonstrated a growing political interest on ecocide.
Perspectives on the debate of Ecocide
I believe any future ecocide law should focus not only on punishment but also on environmental restoration. With 75% of the Earth’s land surface already having been significantly altered by human actions, including 85% of wetland areas, (IPBES / UNEP) one could argue that criminal accountability is important, but repairing damaged ecosystems should be an equally important objective if international law is to respond effectively to the environmental challenges of the twenty-first century.
One of the proposed methods of implementing an international ecocide law is through the International Criminal Court (ICC). This would require an amendment to the Rome Statue – the treaty (legal agreement) which created and outlines the work and remit of the ICC. Amending the Rome Statute is not an easy task, it requires state co-operation, funding, and a lot of time, which when talking about the environment, we are running out of. It would also come at a period of adversity, with states withdrawing from the ICC and US sanctions on the court. It could be argued that a standalone Ecocide Convention or an International Environmental Court deserve greater consideration. Environmental cases often rely on complex scientific evidence and ecological expertise, which differ significantly from the ICC's traditional focus on crimes against people. A specialist court could provide a more appropriate forum for prosecuting the most serious environmental harm. However, this also requires a great deal of state cooperation and funding.
Conclusion
For me, this is what makes the ecocide debate so fascinating. It is not simply about adding another crime to international law to tick a few boxes. It makes us think about how international law understands humanity's relationship with the natural and ecological world. Whether ecocide is ultimately prosecuted before the ICC, a future International Environmental Court, or through another legal mechanism, the debate represents a profound shift in recognising that protecting nature is not only an environmental objective but also a matter of human rights, justice, and ultimately, peace.
written by Harsh Sagar
GYBN UK Operations Officer
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