The world is waking up to the alarming reality of 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲, a term that refers to the deliberate destruction of ecosystems and natural resources to the detriment of life. Defined as “unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of causing severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment,” ecocide is gaining attention globally as an issue that not only threatens biodiversity but also the well-being of humanity.
Several countries are beginning to address this issue by passing national ecocide laws, making it a criminal offense. These laws aim to hold individuals—including corporate leaders and heads of state—accountable for environmental destruction. Ecocide laws establish personal criminal liability, meaning those responsible for significant harm to the environment could face prosecution and even imprisonment.
For societies that rely heavily on healthy ecosystems for services like
