Introduction

The Earth is facing a triple planetary crisis – climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. One aspect of combating this crisis is protecting the planet through the criminalization of acts that harm the environment. Some international organizations and studies have called for legislative frameworks to be improved and for crimes that affect the environment to be defined as serious and/or organized crimes. United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/76/185 also “calls upon Member States to make crimes that affect the environment, where appropriate, serious crimes”. Criminalization can be an important symbol that certain actions are prohibited. Having higher penalties for crimes can not only dissuade potential and repeat offenders, it can also broaden the range of investigative tools and resources for law enforcement. In particular, if the offence is punishable by a maximum deprivation of liberty of at least four years or a more serious penalty, this enables parties to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) to apply extradition and mutual legal assistance.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions