This petition was submitted during the 2017–2019 Conservative government
Rejected petition Make ECOCIDE a criminal offence, and support its inclusion in the Rome Statute.
Climate negotiations have failed to prevent escalating harm to the natural world. A criminal law of ECOCIDE would impose a legal duty on governments to prevent dangerous industrial practices which exacerbate climate breakdown. It's the only realistic way to force industry to change direction.
More details
ECOCIDE is defined as “extensive 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.” [Submitted to UN Law Commission, 2010 by UK barrister Polly Higgins.]
To establish seriousness, impact(s) must be widespread or long-term or severe.
As with other atrocity crimes, those liable to prosecution will be persons of superior responsibility such as CEOs and government ministers.
This petition was rejected
Why was this petition rejected?
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https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/235985
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