What is it about?
Environmental crimes, often called green crimes, include illegal activities such as wildlife trafficking, illegal logging, hazardous waste disposal, pollution, and the destruction of natural resources. These crimes not only damage ecosystems but also threaten biodiversity, public health, and sustainable development. This study explores the different forms of green crime, their causes, and their social, economic, and environmental consequences. It also examines how existing laws and regulations address these crimes and identifies the challenges faced by governments and law enforcement agencies in preventing and prosecuting offenders. By comparing examples from different parts of the world, the study highlights the need for stronger international cooperation, better environmental governance, and greater public awareness. The findings provide useful insights for policymakers, researchers, environmental organisations, and the public to understand green crime better and develop more effective strategies to protect the environment for present and future generations.
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Why is it important?
Green crime has become one of the fastest-growing forms of environmental harm, affecting ecosystems, biodiversity, the climate, and human well-being worldwide. This study is timely because it provides a comprehensive understanding of both traditional and emerging forms of environmental crime while examining the effectiveness of existing legal and regulatory systems. By identifying gaps in enforcement and highlighting the importance of international cooperation, the research offers practical recommendations for strengthening environmental governance. The findings can support policymakers, law enforcement agencies, researchers, and environmental organisations in developing more effective strategies to prevent environmental crimes and promote sustainable development.
Perspectives
As an author, I believe that protecting the environment requires more than scientific knowledge—it also demands stronger legal systems, effective governance, and public participation. Green crime often remains hidden despite its serious consequences for ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Through this research, I sought to highlight the complexity of environmental crimes and the urgent need for coordinated global action. I hope this study encourages policymakers, researchers, and citizens to recognise environmental protection as a shared responsibility and inspires further research on sustainable environmental governance and ecological justice.
Dr. Sushanta Kumar Tarai
Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Unmasking the Dimensions of Green Crime: A Comprehensive Analysis, January 2024, Atlantis Press,
DOI: 10.2991/978-2-38476-255-2_15.
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