SOC 356LEC – Green Criminology
Outline of the Article
SOC 356LEC – Green Criminology
Green criminology is a rapidly growing field of study that focuses on the intersection of environmental harm and criminal justice. In this article, we will explore the different forms of green crime, the theoretical perspectives used to study green criminology, the role of policy makers in addressing environmental crimes, and the future of this field.
Green criminology refers to the study of environmental harm and crimes that cause environmental harm. This field recognizes that environmental harm is not only an ecological issue, but also a social justice issue. Green criminologists study the criminal activities that cause environmental harm and how those activities affect people and the planet.
The importance of green criminology cannot be overstated, as environmental harm and green crime have devastating effects on the planet and its inhabitants. Understanding green criminology is crucial for protecting the environment and achieving social justice.
The field of green criminology emerged in the 1980s, with the publication of “The Crime of the Century” by David Hawk. This book highlighted the dangers of nuclear power and the role of corporations in environmental harm. Since then, the field has grown rapidly, with researchers studying a range of topics related to green crime.
Early research in green criminology focused on environmental regulations and their effectiveness. However, the field has since expanded to include the study of illegal wildlife trade, illegal logging, and other forms of green crime.
III. Forms of Green Crime
There are many different forms of green crime, including pollution crimes, wildlife crimes, illegal logging, illegal fishing, and environmental racism.
Pollution crimes involve the illegal disposal of waste, emission of pollutants into the air, and the release of chemicals into bodies of water. Wildlife crimes involve the illegal hunting or poaching of protected animals, as well as the illegal trade in endangered species. Illegal logging is the harvesting of timber from protected forests, and illegal fishing involves the overfishing of protected marine areas. Environmental racism is the disproportionate exposure of certain communities to environmental harm.
Green criminology is often approached from a social harm perspective, which recognizes that environmental harm is not just an ecological issue, but also a social justice issue. This perspective takes into account the ways in which environmental harm affects different communities, particularly marginalized communities.
Theoretical approaches used in green criminology include green criminology, eco-global criminology, and environmental justice. These approaches help researchers understand the complex relationship between environmental harm and criminal activity.
Governments and international organizations play a crucial role in addressing green crime. The implementation of environmental regulations, such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, aim to address the root causes of environmental harm. However, policy makers face challenges in implementing these regulations, particularly in the face of corporate resistance.
Corporate responsibility and accountability are also important in addressing green crime. Companies have a responsibility to reduce their environmental footprint and to be accountable for any harm caused by their activities. This includes transparency in reporting environmental impact and taking steps to mitigate harm.
Green criminology is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field. Current trends include the use of big data and technology to study environmental crimes, the incorporation of intersectional approaches to environmental harm, and the need for interdisciplinary research.
Interdisciplinary approaches are particularly important in studying green criminology, as environmental harm is a complex issue that requires input from multiple fields. Researchers in green criminology often draw on fields such as sociology, geography, environmental science, and law to better understand the nature of green crime.
VII. Conclusion
In conclusion, green criminology is an important and growing field of study that focuses on the intersection of environmental harm and criminal justice. This field recognizes that environmental harm is not only an ecological issue, but also a social justice issue, and that understanding the complex relationship between environmental harm and criminal activity is crucial for protecting the planet and its inhabitants.
The study of green criminology has evolved over time, with early research focusing on environmental regulations and their effectiveness, and more recent research exploring a wide range of topics related to green crime. Theoretical approaches used in green criminology include green criminology, eco-global criminology, and environmental justice.
Governments, international organizations, and companies all have a role to play in addressing green crime. The future of green criminology will require interdisciplinary approaches, as well as the use of big data and technology to better understand environmental harm.
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