Should causing environmental damage be a criminal offence?

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: A new survey reveals that 72% of people believe ecocide—serious damage to nature—should be a criminal offense
• The study, which covered 22,000 people across 22 countries, highlights global concern about environmental damage

🔭 The context: Recent legislative moves in Belgium, France, and Chile have recognized ecocide as a crime, with the EU now considering it as part of its updated Environmental Crime Directive
• Citizens in emerging economies feel more exposed to climate risks than those in wealthier regions

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Making ecocide a criminal offense could deter environmental destruction, holding businesses and governments accountable for damaging actions
• This shift in policy reflects growing public demand for more serious environmental protection

⏭️ What's next: EU member states have two years to incorporate the new ecocide-related rules into national law, potentially setting a global precedent

💬 One quote: “People clearly understand that the most severe forms of environmental destruction harm all of us... ecocide law is about damage prevention,” said Jojo Mehta, CEO of Stop Ecocide International

📈 One stat: 72% of people surveyed believe serious environmental damage should be criminally punishable

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