Green Crime

What is green crime?

crimes against the environment, also known as environmental crime

Why is green crime linked to globalisation?

harm in one part of the world can have worldwide effects

What are examples of green crime?

• deforestation

• pollution

• species extinction

• toxic waste dumping

Why is green crime considered a global crime?

environmental harm crosses national borders and affects the whole planet

How can pollution become a global problem?

atmospheric pollution in one country can become acid rain in another

How do wealthy countries exploit poorer countries environmentally?

• exporting toxic waste

• using their land for dangerous industries

What did South argue about corporations and governments?

both engage in harmful behaviour that damages the physical environment

What 2 types of green crime does South identify?

• primary green crimes

• secondary green crimes

What are primary green crimes?

crimes that directly damage the environment by destroying or degrading natural resources (South)

What are the main types of primary green crime?

• air pollution

• deforestation

• species decline and extinction

• water pollution

How does air pollution harm the environment?

burning fossil fuels adds carbon to the atmosphere and contributes to global warming

What is deforestation?

the destruction of forests and rainforests through the removal of trees

What is meant by species decline and extinction?

the loss of plant and animal species due to environmental harm and illegal activities

How does water pollution damage ecosystems?

industrial waste, oil spills, and sewage kill wildlife and harm marine ecosystems

What are secondary green crimes?

crimes that result from breaking laws designed to protect the environment (South)

What is hazardous waste dumping?

the illegal disposal of toxic waste, often in developing countries

What is state violence against oppositional groups?

governments repressing environmental protests, sometimes violently

Why did White argue green crime is difficult to control internationally?

• there is no global agency powerful enough to enforce environmental laws

• countries disagree on what counts as green crime

How are environmental laws shaped according to White?

by the economic interests of powerful transnational corporations (TNCs)

How does White define green crime?

any deliberate harm to the environment or living creatures, even if no law is broken

What is zemiology?

an approach that focuses on harm rather than legal definitions of crime

What is transgressive criminology?

an approach that goes beyond traditional boundaries of criminology

What is the anthropocentric view?

environmental harm is seen as a necessary cost of economic progress and material lifestyles

What is the ecocentric view?

humans are part of nature and should respect the environment

Does White support the anthropocentric or the ecocentric view?

the ecocentric view because environmental harm ultimately harms humanity

What are manufactured risks?

dangers created by human activity rather than natural causes (Beck)

What examples of manufactured risks does Beck identify?

• global warming

• climate change

• pollution

Why are manufactured risks global according to Beck?

they cannot be contained within national borders

What are some strengths of green criminology?

it highlights environmental harm, problems of law enforcement, and links between capitalism and environmental inequality

What is environmental discrimination?

poorer communities being more likely to live near polluting industries (South)

What are some criticisms of green criminology?

• it is based on subjective definitions of harm

• laws vary between countries

• it can be seen as anti-capitalist

• many green crimes are victimless and underreported