Ecocide law presents both a concrete route to planetary security

“The motivation behind my work stems from the recognition of the urgent need to address ecosystem breakdown and the devastating impact of human activities on ecosystems and biodiversity; the related and increasing threats of climate change, deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction; and the far-reaching consequences these have for the planet and all life forms. Our economic and legal systems are not fit for purpose in this context.

Ecocide law can address this and help to steer us toward safer behaviours, so it feels like a crucial intervention point in our existing systems that can help those systems to evolve in a healthy way. By establishing legal consequences for the worst harms to nature (“ecocide”), it becomes possible to deter harmful actions, promote greater environmental stewardship and foster a more equitable and harmonious world, promoting both peace and justice for present and future generations.”

Jojo Mehta co-founded Stop Ecocide in 2017, alongside barrister and legal pioneer the late Polly Higgins, to support the establishment of ecocide as a crime at the International Criminal Court. As Co-Founder, Executive Director and key spokesperson of Stop Ecocide International, Jojo has overseen the remarkable growth of the movement while coordinating between legal developments, diplomatic traction and public narrative. Jojo has a natural ability to connect and inspire, coupled with an unshakeable faith in the human imagination and capacity for positive change. She has contributed to law conferences, diplomatic events, environmental summits and climate rallies as well as podcasts, interviews and articles for publications and broadcasters ranging from TIME Magazine to the New York Times and from The Guardian to the BBC. This rapidly growing conversation means that recognition of ecocide as a crime is now emerging as a key potential solution to address the climate and ecological crisis.

Twitter: @endecocideUK