International Criminal Court to try individuals and businesses of ecocide?

Lawyer Polly Higgins is campaigning to introduce ecocide as a crime to be tried at the International Criminal Court and could be accepted as early as 2013.The move, if accepted, would mean organisations accused of causing ecological damage to the planet could be taken to court as a crime against peace, just like a dictator is taken to court for genocide.

The new law could potentially have an impact in many areas of industry, including high carbon emitters, businesses that cause deforestation and mining companies that pollute rivers. The possibilities are almost endless and would revolutionise the way we look to deal with those who damage the environment.

Higgins states that the problem lies in big businesses hiding behind a shield of bureaucracy and a lack of responsibility for their actions. People who make the decisions to cut down forests or pollute rivers aren’t held accountable for their actions.

Sky TV and Ms. Higgins are staging a mock trial in the UK’s supreme court this week, with Higgins stating that she has a majority of nations behind her in the move (81 states have to back the change). There is a real wind in the sails of the project now with Nigerian environmentalist Nnimmo Bassey saying, “Making ecocide a recognised law will place a cap on the irresponsible actions of fat cats who hide behind corporate shields to destroy lives and harm the planet.”

More information on ecocide can be found on Higgin’s website, http://www.thisisecocide.com.