What is Ecocide? | International Criminal Court | Indepth | UPSC | Drishti IAS English

Summary

In this episode of the In Depth series, Aisha discusses the concept of ecocide, which refers to the destruction of ecosystems caused by human activities. The video explores the demand from several countries to recognize ecocide as an international crime, drawing parallels with genocide. It highlights the cases of Belgium, Fiji, and Samoa, which advocate for this classification. The discussion also touches on the role of the International Criminal Court and the legal frameworks in various nations, including India, regarding environmental protection. The episode emphasizes the urgency of addressing environmental harm in the context of climate change.

Takeaways

• 🌿 The discussion revolves around 'Ecoside', a term referring to the destruction caused by human activities.
• 📜 Ecoside is considered an international crime, and several countries have demanded its recognition as such.
• 🌍 Countries like Fiji and Samoa are in the Pacific region and are demanding that Ecoside be recognized as a crime.
• 🏛️ The International Criminal Court (ICC) has not yet taken a decision on Ecoside, but the demand has been recognized from certain countries.
• 📰 The news talks about the case of Belgium vs. Ecoside as a crime in Belgium, where India stands against criminalizing Ecoside.
• 🌱 The term 'Ecoside' has been used in the context of environmental damage, similar to the term 'Genocide'.
• 📉 The discussion also includes the role of the Stop Ecoside Foundation in defining and campaigning against Ecoside.
• 💡 The concept of Ecoside is about causing harm to the environment through human activities, which is a substantial and long-lasting harm.
• 🌐 The script mentions that around 11 to 12 countries are vocal about Ecoside being a crime and around 30 more are working on it.
• 📚 The script also discusses the legal aspects and the need for a shift from anthropocentric to ecocentric principles for environmental justice.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in today's episode of the 'In Depth' series?

The main topic discussed is 'Ecoside', which stands for ecological damage caused by human activities.

What does 'Ecoside' stand for?

Ecoside stands for the destruction caused to the environment by human activities.

What is the demand from certain countries regarding Ecoside?

Certain countries demand that Ecoside be given the status of an international crime.

Has the International Criminal Court taken any final decision regarding Ecoside?

The International Criminal Court has not yet taken a final decision on Ecoside, but the demand has been recognized.

What are the points of discussion first in the episode?

First, the episode will look at the news and what is Ecoside, then it will examine the case of Belgium vs. Haus, discussing criminalizing Ecoside.

What is the importance of the term 'Ecoside' from the perspective of the GS Paper?

The term 'Ecoside' is important as it is a concept that is being discussed in relation to environmental damage, similar to the concept of Genocide.

What are the four types of crimes mentioned in the Rome Statute?

The four types of crimes mentioned in the Rome Statute are Genocide, War Crimes, Crimes against Humanity, and the Crime of Aggression.

Which countries are around 11 and 12 that have recognized Ecoside as a crime?

Countries like Belgium, Vietnam, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, and France have recognized Ecoside as a crime.

What is the definition of Ecoside given by the Independent Expert Panel for the Legal Definition of Ecoside?

Ecoside is defined as unlawful and wanton acts causing severe harm to the environment, which are not legal, committed with knowledge, and cause substantial damage.

What are the implications of recognizing Ecoside as a crime?

Recognizing Ecoside as a crime implies that individuals and corporations causing significant environmental damage can be held accountable.

What is the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC)?

The ICC is a permanent judicial body established by the Rome Statute in 1998 to investigate, prosecute, and try individuals who commit genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.

What are the requirements for a country to be a member of the ICC?

A country must be a signatory to the Rome Statute to be a member of the ICC.