1st use of new ecocide defintion in a government bill

Full definition submitted as amendment to UK Environment Bill

An amendment has been submitted by Baroness (Natalie) Bennett of Manor Castle to the UK Environment Bill using the full definition elaborated by the Independent Expert Panel for the Legal Definition of Ecocide convened by our Foundation.  This is the first use on record of the full definition in a government bill.

The amendment follows another submitted by Baroness Bennett last month requiring the government to negotiate the addition of Ecocide to the list of international crimes under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (currently Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity, War Crimes and the Crime of Aggression).  This second amendment calls additionally for a UK crime of ecocide using the full recently launched definition.

Both of Baroness Bennett’s amendments on ecocide can be viewed HERE - see page 79 (amendment 287 - support for an international crime) and 85 (amendment 293D - the full definition, as a UK crime).

The subject is scheduled to be discussed in the House of Lords (the UK’s upper chamber) in July, just before the parliamentary recess.  If the amendment is passed by both Houses, the UK government will be the first to adopt the definition.

With the UNFCCC’s COP26 climate talks to be hosted in Glasgow in November, the spotlight is on the UK to lead on addressing the climate and ecological crises - which, as the latest IPCC/IPBES report makes clear, must be addressed together.

Legislating for ecocide would show clear, appropriate and decisive leadership, setting an example for the international community to step up alongside.