Conceptions of ecocide and challenges for social transformation

ABSTRACT This paper examines four conceptions of ‘ecocide’ that relate to descriptions of environmental harm, criminalisation of these harms and inclusion of ecocentric considerations. It then positions advocacy pertaining to ecocide laws in the context of a political economy that both creates and fails to respond to the problems and consequences of ecocide. As part of this, the paper briefly reviews key challenges to the protection of the environment and human rights, as well as the importance of social transformation in furthering social and ecological justice.