Scotland’s Bold Move to Criminalise Ecocide
In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, where ancient lochs mirror the skies and heather-clad hills whisper tales of old, a new narrative is unfolding—one that could redefine humanity’s relationship with nature.
Scotland is poised to become the first nation in the UK to criminalise ecocide, marking a significant stride in environmental protection and justice.
A Legislative Leap Towards Environmental Accountability
On May 29, 2025, Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon presented the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill to Parliament, marking a pivotal moment in environmental legislation.
The proposed law aims to categorise serious or reckless damage to nature as a criminal offence, equating it with major crimes such as murder. Under this law, individuals could face prison sentences of up to 20 years, while businesses may be subject to unlimited financial penalties.
The bill describes ecocide as “unlawful or wanton acts carried out with the awareness that they are likely to cause severe, widespread, or lasting harm to the environment.” This includes activities like large-scale oil pollution, mass deforestation, and harmful marine exploitation.
With provisions that hold both individuals and corporations accountable, the bill is designed to close loopholes and prevent powerful actors from escaping responsibility for environmental destruction.
Global Context and Support
Scotland’s initiative aligns with a growing international movement to recognise ecocide as a serious crime. In 2024, Vanuatu, Samoa, and Fiji proposed an amendment to the Rome Statute to include ecocide as an international crime, a motion now backed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The European Union has also revised its Environmental Crime Directive to incorporate conduct comparable to ecocide, requiring member states to transpose these provisions into national law by May 2026.
Public support for such measures is robust. A 2024 Global Commons Survey revealed that 72% of people across 18 G20 countries believe it should be a criminal offence for leaders to permit or cause serious environmental harm.
In Scotland, over 50 Members of the Scottish Parliament, including Conservatives, have expressed support for the bill, reflecting a cross-party consensus on the urgency of environmental protection.
Voices from the Frontlines
Monica Lennon, the bill’s proponent, emphasised the necessity of the legislation: “Environmental destruction isn’t some distant issue for the people of Scotland—it directly threatens health, livelihoods, and the future of entire communities.” She added, “Ecocide is a crime against the common good, and those who commit widespread or irreversible harm should be held to account.”
Jojo Mehta, CEO and Co-founder of Stop Ecocide International, lauded Scotland’s move: “This Scottish Bill is a striking example of how national action can drive global change. Around the world, ecocide law is gaining ground as a vital tool—not just to punish environmental destruction, but to prevent it.”
Challenges and Considerations
Although the bill marks a progressive step forward, putting it into action may come with practical hurdles. Ensuring its success will depend on providing sufficient funding and support to environmental agencies, and may even call for the creation of specialised courts to handle such cases.
It will also be crucial to establish precise definitions and measurable criteria for what qualifies as ecocide, so the law is applied fairly and without confusion.
Some critics express concern about the possible economic impact, especially on key sectors like energy and fishing that are vital to Scotland’s economy. Nonetheless, supporters believe that prioritising long-term environmental protection and discouraging destructive activities will ultimately bring greater value than any immediate financial drawbacks.
A Beacon of Hope
Scotland’s Ecocide Bill reflects a powerful step toward stronger environmental responsibility. By making individuals and businesses legally accountable for serious harm to the planet, the country is not only safeguarding its own natural resources but also inspiring other nations to take similar action.
In a time when the global climate emergency continues to intensify, this kind of legislation serves as a hopeful example—showing that with collective effort and strong leadership, impactful change can truly happen.
