In 2025, the Scottish Parliament (Holyrood) will debate a bill that could transform the environmental justice landscape: criminalizing ecocide, i.e. Deliberate or negligent acts that cause serious, widespread or long-lasting harm to the environment. This bill, promoted by the parliamentarian Monica Lennonaims to introduce very severe sanctions for those who put the planet at risk, making Scotland the first country in the United Kingdom to undertake such an initiative.
A response to cI laughed environmental
The environmental and climate crisis is one of the most serious contemporary threats. Deforestation, industrial pollution and loss of biodiversity they not only damage the ecosystem, but also compromise the future of generations to come. “Current laws are not enough to protect nature from the most serious acts of destruction,” said Monica Lennon. Hence the urgency of legislation that introduces severe penalties. An example? Up to 20 years in prison for company executives knowingly responsible for environmental crimes.
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A global movement for environmental justice
The idea of criminalizing ecocide is not new; has its roots in the international movement started by the Scottish activist and lawyer Polly Higgins. Several European nations, including Belgium and France, are already discussing similar legislation. Furthermore, the European Parliament recently put forward a directive that considers serious crimes against the environment as “qualified”, proposing more severe penalties.
Lennon’s proposal fits into this international context, aimed at making Scotland an example of global leadership. As many advocates point out, such a law would send a clear message globally: the destruction of ecosystems will no longer be tolerated.
Strong public support
The project has garnered heartfelt support. During the public consultation phase, 95% of participants declared themselves in favor. The main reasons? The need to protect biodiversity, preserve the Planet for future generations and act as deterrent against environmental crimes.
Supporters include organizations such as WWF And Mighty Earthas well as academic institutions and local groups. The involvement of schools is particularly significant: children expressed concern for the future of the environment, highlighting the impact of human activities on their future.
Criticisms and challenges to face
Despite the strong support, there are also critical voices. Some fear that the law could overlap with other existing regulations, such as the Regulatory Reform (Scotland) Act 2014. Others highlight the risk that the sanctions are not sufficiently dissuasive or that enforcement resources are inadequate.
Another point of debate is the very definition of ecocide. The proposed wording requires that crimes be committed “with awareness” of environmental damage, an element that some critics believe may offer legal loopholes.
A powerful deterrent for the future
One of the most interesting aspects of the proposal is its deterrent potential. The introduction of tough penalties, including personal liability for company executives, could push companies to review their practices, adopting more sustainable production models.
To get to the official submission, the proposal must gain the support of at least 18 members of the Scottish Parliament from two different parties. With over 30 parliamentarians already in favor, the project seems to have a good chance of success.
If passed, this law could represent a turning point in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, offering a model for other countries. As Monica Lennon said: “Scotland has the chance to lead an international movement to stop ecocide. It is a historic opportunity that we cannot miss”.
