This event is hosted as part of the People's Summit, by the COP26 Coalition.
This circle of discussion will approach the criminalisation of ecocide and the rights of nature, as legal solutions to protect and care for the natural living world on a global and local scale. What concrete means of societal transformation can they offer to shift our relationship with nature from one of harm to harmony?
Mass damage and destruction of the natural living world has been committed over decades by many of the world’s biggest corporations in pursuit of economic development. It has contributed to the climate crisis and mass extinction of species, yet it continues because it is legally permitted. Right now, in most of the world, no-one is held responsible for committing ecocide. But a growing global movement is working towards making ecocide an international crime, alongside genocide and war crimes.
Under the current legal system of most countries, nature is considered property. The Rights of Nature recognize that nature itself has inherent rights to exist and flourish, encouraging the shift from anthropocentrism to ecocentrism. Since 2006, local communities and legal experts in various countries have been developing this legal framework to enshrine the protection of natural living entities.
Speakers:
Director of Stop Ecocide Spain and coordinator for the Americas, writer and environmental activist
Barrister at Garden Court Chambers, Rights of Nature activist and Founder of Lawyers for Nature
International grassroots outreach, Stop Ecocide International
British environmental lawyer, climate change and development policy expert, and climate activist
Professor of Philosophy of Law and Director of the Chair on Human Rights and Environmental Rights at the University of Murcia, advocate for the recognition of a Popular Legislative Initiative (ILP) to recognize the legal personality of the Mar Menor in Spain.
Event co-organised by Stop Ecocide International and Lawyers for Nature.