The mounting costs of housing, health care, child care, and college debt are wearing thin for US residents. Yet it turns out that average people are supporting ‘super corporations’ that pollute and that aren’t held accountable for thethey impart. A credible argument can be made that these companies are engaging in ecocide — that long term, severe, and widespread devastation to the environment caused by persons in-the-know. And we should hold them liable for their actions.
This international ecocide law could make a difference by setting a legal precedent, creating a rolling effect where international law could prompt changes in national criminal laws. After all, countries look to signal their environmental commitment or non-engagement across multiple domains to others. An ecocide law could help to prosecute environmental crimes that fall outside of national jurisdictions.
If the ruling is upheld, the equivalent of 740 million tons a year of carbon dioxide will have to be removed from Shell’s disclosures by the end of the decade. The International Association of Oil and Gas Producersin a perfectly vague statement they “want to further improve the environmental performance and reduce the likelihood and consequences” of their actions.
Belgian Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmes has also expressed support along with politicians from Vanuatu and the Maldives, nations vulnerable to rising sea levels.and enforcement of any subsequent actions. If a country does not comply — if it does not arrest the accused individual — there is no trial. In addition, over 70 countries are not members of the International Criminal Court , including the US.