Eradicating Ecocide - The Global Campaign
Event description
Join us for an important update and discussion about the global campaign to end ecocide.
Guest speakers
- Jojo Mehta - Stop Ecocide - https://www.stopecocide.earth/...
- Dr Gwynn MacCarrick (University of Tasmania) - https://www.utas.edu.au/profil...
- Facilitated by Dr Michelle Maloney, National Convenor, Australian Earth Laws Alliance
What is Ecocide?
Ecocide is defined as “loss or damage to, or destruction of ecosystem(s) of a given territory(ies), such that peaceful enjoyment by the inhabitants has been or will be severely diminished."
Why should we advocate for an international
law of ecocide?
Despite the existence of many international agreements – UN Resolutions, Treaties, Conventions, Protocols etc – environmental harm is escalating. None of these international agreements prohibits ecocide. The power of recognising ecocide as a crime, is that it creates a legal duty of care that holds persons of ‘superior responsibility’ to account in a criminal court of law.
The impact of including ecocide law as an international crime will be significant; prohibiting dangerous industrial activity that causes ecocide and exacerbates climate change has the potential to be a game changer on a global scale.
Ecocide is a crime against the living natural world – ecosystem loss, damage or destruction is occurring every day; for instance, the Athabasca Tar Sands. Ecocide is a crime against the Earth, not just humans. Further, ecocide can also be climate crime: dangerous industrial activity causes climate ecocide. Currently there is a missing responsibility to protect. Unlike crimes against humanity, ecocide has severe impact on inhabitants, not just humans. Thus, what is required is the expansion of our collective duty of care to protect the natural living world and all life. International ecocide crime is a law to protect the Earth.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE WEBINAR
events@earthlaws.org.au