Move to toughen up ‘ecocide’ legislation continues to gain traction

Criminalising environmental offences won’t necessarily lead to more convictions – but campaigners hope it could drive a change in corporate behaviour

Environmental crimes are estimated to be rising by 5–7 per cent annually and can range from prohibited trade in wildlife to illegal mining, fishing, logging and oil spills, among others. In response, governments around the world are imposing harsher penalties for environmental degradation and pollution, including drawing up ‘ecocide’ bills.