‘Overwhelming support’ for ecocide law in Scotland as COP29 kicks off

‘Overwhelming support’ for ecocide law in Scotland as COP29 kicks off

Scots have shown overwhelming support for a new law on “ecocide” as COP29 commences. Labour MSP Monica Lennon is proposing tough new laws that could potentially lead to a 20-year jail term for the most severe environmental and climate offenders. A public consultation on Lennon’s Ecocide Prevention Bill revealed that 98% of respondents backed the plan, with over 3200 individuals and 134 organisations participating. 95% fully supported the Bill, while 3% offered partial support.

Monica Lennon described the significant number of responses as a clear indication that the campaign against ecocide has resonated with thousands of people worldwide. The results of the consultation are set to be published, coinciding with the UN COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. This summit aims to be a crucial event in the global fight against climate pollution and environmental destruction.

Moreover, progress on the international front regarding ecocide laws is notable, with the EU implementing an offence covering “ecocide-level crimes” and a similar crime proposed at the International Criminal Court. Lennon expressed her delight at the overwhelming support for ecocide legislation in Scotland, acknowledging the need for careful drafting of the Bill to ensure its effectiveness. She hopes that enough MSPs will back the proposal for the Bill to proceed.

Under Lennon’s Ecocide Prevention Bill, severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison for significant environmental harm, could be imposed. Alongside imprisonment, polluting companies may face fines equivalent to 10% of their turnover. Supporters of the legislation emphasized the importance of protecting the environment, enhancing the lives of children and young people, and deterring polluters. Some dissenting voices suggested that more detailed information is necessary, current environmental laws should be enforced, or questioned the necessity of a new ecocide law.

As the fight against ecocide gains momentum in Scotland, the support for Lennon’s proposals highlights a growing demand for stronger environmental protections and accountability for environmental crimes.

Insights and Summary:
The overwhelming support for the ecocide law in Scotland signifies a shift towards prioritising environmental protection and holding culprits accountable for their actions. It is evident that there is a growing global concern for environmental issues, as seen through the support for ecocide legislation not only in Scotland but also at international levels. The proposed Ecocide Prevention Bill could be a significant step towards ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for the planet. With the COP29 summit underway, there is hope for meaningful progress in addressing climate change and environmental degradation on a global scale.