Category: Advocacy

Rising hope worldwide: ecocide law gains momentum in recent developments

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nature-clouds-hdr-phenomenon, 19 August 2014, 20:21, Wikimedia Commons
nature-clouds-hdr-phenomenon, 19 August 2014, 20:21, Wikimedia Commons

Global ecocide law movement promises a sustainable tomorrow

The growing global momentum for an ecocide law reflects a heightened awareness of the imperative to protect the environment for future generations. As nations unite to combat ecocide, hope for a sustainable and secure future strengthens.

Netherlands proposes ecocide law

In the Netherlands, Member of Parliament Lammert van Raan of Partij voor de Dieren (Party for the Animals) has introduced a law proposal to criminalize ecocide. The proposal, which aims to hold individuals accountable for serious environmental damage caused by human actions or inaction, is currently undergoing a four-week public consultation period. If approved by Parliament, the bill will become law, reflecting the growing social opinion on the importance of protecting the environment. This move is seen as a significant step towards preventing ecocide globally, with various organizations, including Stop Ecocide NL and Stop Ecocide International, supporting the initiative.

OSCE calls for international ecocide law

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has made a groundbreaking endorsement, urging its participating States to incorporate ecocide as a concept in national and international law. This endorsement, part of the Final Declaration from the 30th Annual Session in Vancouver, highlights the rising concern over microplastic and nanoplastic pollution and calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions according to the Paris Agreement. Jojo Mehta of Stop Ecocide International welcomes this intervention, emphasizing that recognizing ecocide as a crime in both peacetime and conflict can effectively deter severe and long-term environmental harm.

Global Greens Congress backs ecocide law

At the Global Greens Congress in South Korea, representatives from Green Parties, Indigenous communities, civil society, and NGOs from around the world formally endorsed the establishment of an international crime of ecocide. The endorsement statement by the Global Greens emphasized the urgent need for legal recognition and a global framework to address ecocide. This move aims to shift attitudes, policy decisions, and cultural behavior toward protecting vital ecosystems and endangered species. The endorsement marks a collective effort to strengthen legal frameworks and accountability in environmental protection.

Kakhovka Dam destruction: A case of ecocide

In southern Ukraine, the breach of the Kakhovka Dam has caused devastating consequences for both humans and the environment. The ecological impacts of this disaster have been likened to “ecocide,” highlighting the gravity of the situation. Ukraine called on the international community to provide expertise and assistance to assess the full extent of the damage suffered. With the recognition that crimes of this scale require independent international investigations, Ukraine seeks cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC). The incident underscores the urgency of recognizing ecocide as a standalone crime, applicable in both wartime and peacetime, to prevent severe and widespread environmental harm.

The global momentum behind the push for an ecocide law signifies the increasing awareness of the need to protect the environment and ensure the well-being of the planet for future generations. As nations and organizations come together to address ecocide, the hope for a sustainable and ecologically secure future grows stronger.

Join the global movement: Combat plastic pollution this World Environment Day, June 5th

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Theme:Finding solutions to plastic pollution
Date:June 5th, 2023
Host:Côte d’Ivoire in collaboration with the Netherlands
Hashtags:#BeatPlasticPollution and #WorldEnvironmentDay

June 5th, 2023, will mark the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day, which was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1973. This year, the event is anticipated to attract tens of millions of participants both online and through in-person activities, embodying the spirit of environmental advocacy.

Addressing plastic pollution

This year’s theme is focused on finding solutions to plastic pollution. The occasion underscores the consequences of actions and inaction taken by individuals, businesses, and governments in response to plastic pollution. It also highlights the pressing need to amplify these efforts and transition towards a circular economy. To assist in these efforts, a Beat Plastic Pollution Practical Guide is available, outlining steps to halt and reverse the detrimental effects of plastic pollution.

An urgent need

Our planet is in crisis, besieged by the overwhelming weight of plastic waste. Despite its numerous applications, plastic has become detrimental due to our dependence on single-use plastic products, which cause significant environmental and health issues.

As per the UN, globally, one million plastic bottles are bought every minute, up to five trillion plastic bags are used each year, and 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced annually. Approximately 36% of all plastic is used for packaging, including single-use items for food and beverage containers. Sadly, around 85% of these items end up in landfills or as unregulated waste. Less than 10% of the seven billion tonnes of plastic waste generated worldwide has been recycled. The most prevalent types of plastic waste found in the environment include cigarette butts, food wrappers, plastic bottles and caps, grocery bags, straws, and stirrers.

Environmental harm

Plastic waste can persist in the environment for centuries due to its durability and resistance to degradation. Nearly all single-use plastic products are manufactured from fossil fuels, contributing to the escalation of greenhouse gas emissions. Most plastic items merely break down into smaller microplastics, which can infiltrate the human body and accumulate in various organs. The impact of this phenomenon on human health remains largely unknown. Microplastics are now ubiquitous and are a part of the Earth’s fossil record. They have even led to the creation of a new marine microbial habitat, known as the “plastisphere.”

How you can help

Urge your local and national leaders to take decisive action by eliminating problematic plastic packaging, redesigning products for sustainability, and promoting transparency in sustainability information. Additionally, you can participate in beach or river clean-ups, shop sustainably, adopt a zero-waste lifestyle, advocate for change, choose sustainable fashion, and opt for plastic-free personal care products.

Spread awareness and inspire others via social media using the hashtags #BeatPlasticPollution and #WorldEnvironmentDay.

Mark your calendars: Earth Day is April 22

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Close-Up Shot of "Save the Earth" Paper Cutouts on a Green Surface. Photo by Artem Podrez: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-shot-of-paper-cutouts-on-a-green-surface-7048039/
Close-Up Shot of “Save the Earth” Paper Cutouts on a Green Surface. Photo by Artem Podrez, Pexels.

Earth Day takes place in the United States on April 22nd every year to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage people to take action to protect the planet.

The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970, across the United States.

It was a huge success, with millions of Americans from different backgrounds and political persuasions taking part in rallies, demonstrations, and other activities to promote environmental awareness. Since then, Earth Day has become an annual event, and it is now celebrated around the world.

Earth Day activities range from clean-up events and tree plantings to educational programs and advocacy campaigns. There is an increasing focus on promoting sustainable practices and addressing issues such as climate change, plastic pollution, and deforestation.

Earth Day was started by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson

Earth Day was started by former Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, who served from 1963 to 1981. Senator Nelson was a progressive politician who championed environmental causes throughout his career. He was a leading advocate for the Wilderness Act of 1964, which protected millions of acres of wilderness areas in the United States. He also played a key role in the passage of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, which established the basic national charter for protecting the environment. Nelson received numerous honors and awards for his environmental work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1995. He passed away on July 3, 2005, at the age of 89.

Earth Day is celebrated worldwide

Earth Day has been growing in popularity over the years and has become a global event, with more than 190 countries now participating in the annual celebration. Countries choose to observe the event on different days. Some countries celebrate Earth Day on the Spring equinox, which occurs around March 20th or 21st each year—the equinox is seen as a symbolic time to promote ecological balance and harmony. In India, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd. India also observes National Clean Energy Day on November 1st and World Nature Conservation Day on July 28th. Much of South America celebrates the power and wonder of Pachamama (“Festival of Mother Earth”) during the first week of August.

Regardless of the date, the purpose of Earth Day remains the same: to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage people to take action to protect the planet.

#EarthDay

Social media plays a significant role in increasing the visibility and impact of Earth Day. The hashtag #EarthDay is widely used on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, to spread awareness and inspire action among a global audience.

Overall, the growing popularity of Earth Day reflects a growing awareness of environmental issues and a gro