Enforcing ecocide - the challenges of policing transnational environmental crimes

Zsigmond-Sziebig, Orsolya Johanna (2025) Enforcing ecocide - the challenges of policing transnational environmental crimes. MAGYAR RENDÉSZET. ISSN 1586-2895 (In Press)

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Abstract

Introduction: Ecocide has been gaining legislative momentum, and the European Union is committed to adopting enforceable ecocide legislation, as reflected in the Environmental Crime Directive. This directive explicitly mentions ecocide in its preamble and introduces “qualified offences” comparable to ecocide. Objectives: This study aims to link the definitions of ecocide and transnational environmental crime, with a particular focus on the challenges of policing such offences. Methods: This research relies heavily on the last ten years that the author has spent analysing transnational environmental crime and ecocide. The relevant literature was analysed through desk research, including critical viewpoints and the establishment of individual categorisation. Results: The efforts to recognise ecocide can influence the effectiveness of actions against environmental crimes. The future enforceability of ecocide remains challenging, particularly regarding the implementation of the “qualified offences” category across EU Member States. The implementation of the new Environmental Crime Directive will highly influence the European efforts to combat environmental crimes. Also, it is crucial to strengthen the cooperation between law enforcement agencies. Social and economic changes have continuously influenced the work of law enforcement agencies and policing. Climate change and recent ecological changes are calling for the so-called “green policing”. Conclusions: It is crucial to step up and combat environmental crimes. Law enforcement agencies must also adapt to new challenges to build climate resilience, and the effective implementation of the new Directive will be essential.

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