'Ecocide': Examining international law's stance on environmental damage from war
The term 'ecocide' refers to widespread, severe environmental damage, often caused by human actions during conflict, as seen in recent accusations against Israel regarding West Asia. Environmental groups advocate for its inclusion as an international crime under the Rome Statute, which currently classifies serious environmental damage as a 'war crime' only during war. Unlike existing anthropocentric laws, 'ecocide' would focus on harm to the environment as a separate entity. Challenges for its inclusion include achieving a 2/3rds majority vote from State Parties to the Rome Statute and issues of jurisdiction, as many nations, including Iran and Lebanon, are not ICC State Parties.
Key Points
- 'Ecocide' denotes widespread and severe environmental damage, often linked to conflict.
- The term was coined in 1970 and first codified in Vietnam's domestic law in 1990.
- Current international laws, like the Rome Statute and Geneva Conventions, address environmental damage but are anthropocentric, focusing on harm to humans.
- Advocates seek to include 'ecocide' as a distinct international crime under the Rome Statute, focusing on harm to the environment itself.
- Challenges for inclusion include requiring a 2/3rds majority vote from State Parties and overcoming jurisdictional issues for non-ICC member states.
Exam Facts
- Term coined by: Prof Arthur W Galston (1970)
- First country to codify: Vietnam (1990)
- International legal framework: Rome Statute (governs ICC), Geneva Conventions, Environmental Modification Convention (ENMOD, 1978)
- International body: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
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