Ecocide is a broad term for severe or large-scale destruction of the natural environment caused by human activity. It can refer to irreversible damage connected with war, deforestation, oil spills, air pollution, or nuclear or chemical disasters as well as to the destruction of endangered species and habitats. In 2021 an independent expert panel convened by the Stop Ecocide Foundation, a Netherlands-based action group, proposed a new definition for ecocide: “unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment being caused by those acts.” Since the introduction of the concept by biologist Arthur Galston following the severe environmental and human damage caused by Agent Orange, a toxic defoliant deployed by American forces from 1962 to 1971 during the Vietnam War, there have been multiple discussions and efforts to criminalize ecocide. Over time experts have debated establishing ecocide as an international offense under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Many countries have recognized ecocide as a crime in their domestic law.
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