The war like situation along the Western Front is a very serious problem and India has no doubt given the enemy a befitting reply. However, in all this chaos it is important to first acknowledge and act on the looming environmental catastrophe caused by wars on the one hand and human greed to no lesser extent.
Please take note of Avay Shukla’s thought provoking article on what is termed ECOCIDE. We are facing similar problems in Kodagu due to uncontrolled and lack of responsible tourism and the somewhat mysterious clearance of large tracts of land for setting up resorts. Kodagu is facing severe water shortage and exploitation of water resources beyond sustainable levels. Garbage and weekend tourism are two other big scourges on the landscape.
Read on! – CLN Newsdesk
WHY THE WORLD NEEDS TO DECLARE ECOCIDE AN INTERNATIONAL CRIME
First, the context.
It’s not working. The planet is headed for armageddon in this century itself if we continue with our present unsustainable life styles. The Paris Accord red line of 1.5* C temperature increase has been breached, CO2 levels have gone up by 125% above pre-industrial levels and at 425 ppm are approaching the survival limit of 450 ppm, the last three years were the hottest in recorded history, parts of Pakistan and Africa are likely to see temperatures of 50* C this summer, Himalayan glaciers are expected to disappear by the end of the century, causing unimaginable water shortages for a quarter of the world’s population, thousands of species are going extinct every year. The planet cannot live with this depredation for very much longer.
One of the main reasons for this impending calamity is the humongous scale of deforestation that continues unabated. Global Forest Watch has reported that 10 million hectares of forest are felled every year globally ; that is, 100,000 sq. kms or twice the area of Himachal Pradesh. Between 2001 and 2023 we have lost 408 million hectares of forests to development, farming and logging, losing also a CO2 sequestration capacity of 204 giga tonnes. And this cuts across countries, as governments look for short term economic gains and multi national corporations continue to plunder natural resources with impunity. The regular COP meetings are exercises in futility and convenient opportunities for sexual dalliances at govt/company expense. Nothing more. Just consider a few of the most recent rapacious examples of environmental blood letting.
30% of the forests in the Amazon basin have already been lost to mining and logging. And yet, Ecquador has finalised plans to auction 3 million ha. of the Amazon forests for mining. The bombing of the Kakhovka dam in Eastern Ukraine in 2023 by Russia released 18 cubic kms of impounded water and devastated hundreds of sq. kms of the natural environment and habitats. Indonesia is in the process of implementing the largest deforestation project in the world- 30689 sq. kms of the third largest rain forest in the world is being cleared to grow sugarcane (for ethanol and food crops). this will completely shatter the biodiversity of the region. Hundreds of thousands of hectares of virgin forests have been deforested in Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea for palm oil plantations. WWF has estimated that wild life populations, including marine life, has declined by 70% in the last few decades.
India, as befits a country at the bottom of the Environmental Performance Index, is one of the worst plunderers of forests. Notwithstanding the regular fudging of reports and statistics, the govt’s own admissions in Parliament indicate that 173000 hectares of forests were diverted for non-forestry activities in just the last ten years, between 2014 and 2024. According to Global Forest Watch the country has lost 2.33 million ha of forests between 2000 and 2024; the State of the Forest Report for 2022 states that between 2015 and 2021, 3136700 ha of dense forests have degraded to open or scrub categories, and 9.40 million trees have been felled for road, mining, hydel and other projects. And this onslaught on ecosystems and biodiversity goes on relentlessly with approved projects such as the Great Nicobar terminal, the Kancha Gachibowli in Hyderabad, destruction of 9000 mangroves for a Mumbai Coastal Road project, the Char Dham National Highway, a special road to Rishikesh (at a cost of 33000 trees) for Yogi’s Kanwariyas, the iron ore mining project in Sanders forest of Karnataka which will result in the removal of 99000 trees, a pumped storage project in the Shahabad forests of Rajasthan’s Baran district which will fell more than 100,000 mature trees over 400 acres. It is a never-ending and heart-breaking list of environmental apocalypse.
This level of environmental massacre and extinction of biodiversity is, in a way, worse than genocide because it affects not just one or two communities but the entire planet: temperatures, CO2 levels and biodiversity loss do not recognize political, ethnic or national frontiers. And these effects persist, not for just a generation or two, but for thousands of years. It is now beginning to be recognized by scientists, naturalists, climate activists and even politicians that such actions amount to a crime against humanity, and a new word has been coined to describe them- ECOCIDE.
Ecocide is another variant of homicide or genocide because it too involves killing, but on a planetary scale. It can be defined as ” unlawful or wanton acts committed with the knowledge that there would be a severe and widespread and long term damage to the environment caused by these acts.” It can also be defined as the destruction of large areas of the natural environment as a consequence of human activity. At least three countries- Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa – have, in September 2024, proposed that ecocide should be recognized as a crime by the ICC (International Criminal Court). They argue that it should be added as the fifth crime in the Rome Statute, along with the other four- genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. It is no coincidence that these three South Pacific nations would be the first to be submerged by rising sea levels as a result of climate change.
Many countries already have domestic laws against environmental destruction, but these are ineffective against ecocide. The reason is that large scale ecocide is usually committed by the governments of countries themselves, (and not by individuals, as the examples above indicate) and therefore they have no accountability. And yet, the calamitous effects of their ecocidal decisions extend far beyond their borders. That is why an international law or covenant is needed to hold them to account or to dissuade them from such actions. The same logic applies to large multi-national corporates who are mostly immune from nation-specific laws because of their spread, size and influence.
Discussions, covenants, treaties, conferences to save the world from environmental apocalypse have not worked. The time has perhaps come to now punish those nations and leaders who continue to be irresponsible. We cannot allow political leaders and corporates, without any vision and driven by material lust, to, in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “strip the world bare like locusts.” As Ronald Regan famously said: If you can’t make them see the light, let them feel the heat. Ecocide must be recognized as the worst crime against humanity, far graver than the four existing ones, because it puts at stake the very survival of the planet and of homo sapiens. The time to declare it a crime has arrived.
Posted with permission from Mr. Avay Shukla. © Mr. Avay Shukla; Mr. Shukla is a retired IAS officer, a keen environmentalist and trekker. He has authored many books and regularly writes for various publications and websites on the environment, governance and social issues. His blog is – View from [Greater] Kailash. The blog can be viewed at avayshukla.blogpost.com.
This is a grim situation. There is so much talk about it but when it comes to selfish interest all these issues take a back seat or are ignored.
While litigation is not necessarily the best way forward, it does help in certain countries like Japan, Germany and South Korea.
In Kodagu – these initiatives should go a long way in raising awareness. Environment related matters should be part of the curriculum of all educational institutions.
Stand with Japan’s Climate Kids – CLN Newsdesk
Their courage could change everything
A group of young Japanese people is fighting for our future – taking Japan’s climate inaction to court! Avaazers in Japan are going to join them with messages of solidarity outside. Together, we can show the judges that this case really matters!
They know the science. They know the stakes – these inspiring youths are bravely innovative in a culture where such legal actions are rare. But if they win, it could force Japan to do more!
That’s why next week, Avaazers will be outside the courtroom, carrying messages of global support. Together, let’s show the judges that this case matters far beyond Japan’s borders.
There’s a growing number of climate lawsuits around the world.
Let’s lift their voices, honour their courage, and help tip the scales of justice toward a liveable planet!
Ting, Ruth, Nate, Nick, Antonia and the whole Avaaz team.
You’re absolutely right—ecocide is a powerful and chilling term. It captures the scale and intentionality behind environmental destruction, whether it’s deforestation, pollution, biodiversity loss, or climate change. The term doesn’t just imply damage; it suggests a kind of crime against Nature itself, often for profit or short-term gain, without regard to long-term consequences for all life on Earth—including humanity.
Raah Foundation’s work in the Western Ghats stands as a living form of resistance to ecocide, and a form of ecological justice. Restoring ecosystems isn’t just about repairing land—it’s about restoring balance, dignity, and hope.
By undertaking ecological restoration, we are:
* Reversing the damage caused by deforestation, mining, and monocultures.
* Reviving biodiversity in one of the world’s most precious and fragile ecological hotspots.
* Strengthening local communities, especially indigenous groups who are often the first to suffer from ecocide but also the best stewards of the land.
* Creating a model of accountability—even if you’re atoning for the actions of others, we are setting a moral and environmental precedent.
We’re not just planting trees—we’re planting justice, resilience, and futures.
Raah Foundation is currently engaged deeply in conserving and ecologically restoring 1,400 acres on Western Ghats and still counting. We have planted 184,000 saplings with a commitment to nurture them for 5 years.
Our goal is to conserve 50,000 acres by 2030!
Do join us in our journey to constructively reverse the impact of ecocide.
You can reach us on https://raahfoundation.org/
Sarayu Kamat
sarayu@raahfoundation.org
This is by far the best comment I have seen to the thought provoking article on Ecocide.
From Ms Sarayu’s comment, we are able to understand what committed teamwork of a truly Public Private Partnership (PPP) can achieve. Massive lessons for us in Kodagu to regreen our Nagarhole Sanctuary and other Reserve Forests. The Animals also should have a right to property/ dwellings without human encroachment and poaching.
Many lessons for us Kodavas to restore our sacred landscape to its pristine glory. Our Devarkadus have diminished in size, with some missing altogether. We should restore the foresight with which these were created by our ancestors.
Our Forest Department, organizations like CWS, Akhila Kodava Samaja and the branches, Ponnampet Forestry College…. should come together and raise the awareness of the entire community – on a footing similar to Kodavamme Balo Nadp.
Thank you Ms.Sarayu and in the fullness of time we would like to invite Raah Foundation to Kodagu.
Dear Mr. Kaverappa,
Many thanks for your kind words. We are in “mission” mode and will not rest till we have created a Green Eco Corridor on Western Ghats.
It will be my privilege to visit Kodagu and share our experiences. We have to create climate warriors everywhere and sooner the better.
Warm regards
Sarayu
Many important matters stand out from Sarayu Kamat’s message:
– Strengthening local communities, especially indigenous groups who are often the first to suffer from ecocide but also the best stewards of the land
– Restoring ecosystems isn’t just about repairing land—it’s about restoring balance, dignity, and hope.
At a different level , nearly 23% of India’s landscape comprises of forest area, and 200 million citizens are dependent on forests for their livelihood (UNDP 2012). To formally recognise the rights of individuals and communities, the Government of India enacted the Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (commonly known as the Forest Rights Act, 2006 [FRA]). However, over a couple of decades after the landmark act was enacted, few people have been able to access the rights it promised.
The rights must logically extend to all other inhabitants of the Forest – Trees, Animals, Birds, Flora & Fauna ….. it’s a time tested balance by Nature which modern day humans have exploited to meet their insatiable greed.
Raah Foundation seems to have struck the right balance. It makes sense to invite them to Kodagu to raise the awareness on environmental matters to a much higher level. CWS, with a younger aged Committee is well placed to take this forward with interested stalwarts and the District Administration, including the Forest Department.
Dear Mr. Nanaiah,
Many thanks for your kind words.
You will be happy to know that 800+ villages in Nashik have been granted Community Forest Rights under FRA Act 2006. We are right now in discussion with the Collector of Nashik to let us work on conservation and ecological restoration of 200 of these villages. This amounts to 50,000 acres and we would plant 10 million trees and nurture them for 5 years.
Warm regards
Sarayu
Very well articulated and an eye opener. Ecocide refers to the destruction of the environment by human population dependent on natural resources. This concept has gained significant attention with many advocating for it to be recognized as an international crime.
Ecocide like genocide should be recognized as a serious offence of global significance given the severity of environmental harm. Noble supporters like Pope Francis has called for ecocide to be recognized as a “Fifth category of crime against peace”.
Very well articulated article. The word “ecocide” reminds me of the Wayanad landslides last monsoon when sensitive hillocks disappeared. The terrain in Coorg is similar and susceptible to the same fate in the forthcoming monsoons in a few weeks.
As uncontrolled tourism and indiscriminate mushrooming of resorts can be seen all over our sacred landscape, it is important to remind ourselves that Kodagu is better suited for properly controlled development of well managed homestays. Large resorts and mega projects, where hectares of hills and green cover are
destroyed by “outsiders”, who do not necessarily understand the topography, are risky and entirely focussed on commercial gain.
From time immemorial, AineManes we’re built at lower levels, near paddy fields as our hillsides are mostly mud compacted terrain. Many large projects have stored water from sensitive streams by building check dams which are dangerous for the stability of the hillsides. Management of the sensitive evergreen environment in Kodagu has to be monitored, controlled and protected for the future of the community. The indiscriminate use of land post the sale of Large properties like BBTC and also questionable sale of Jamma properties requires close scrutiny.
All of this needs preemptive action as once the structures come up, it becomes a Herculean task to put in remedial measures.
Very elaborate and detailed piece on ‘ecocide’ – yes it’s true that deforestation is continuing at levels that are unsustainable to support the needs of the world’s population.
The solution probably lies in alternatives to wood and wood products – we’ve seen fantastic material science companies develop and bring to market ‘wood’ made out of more sustainably available raw materials, including waste .
Supporting the forests (and humanity) will need a fresh perspective- deforestation can be contained only so much by policy, rest has to be figured out through a combination of innovation and intention
The biggest destruction of verdant forests took place by the Colonial exploiters of Natural resources – especially Britain. Large tracts were cleared for planting commercial crops – tea, rubber, coffee, cocoa, palm oil, cotton, tobacco, indigo and even opium. They have a lot to answer – instead they have become the custodians for policing the Climate Monitoring Agencies.
Closer home the topography of Kodagu was irreversibly destroyed with coffee being planted in the bamboo forests and later the cardamom hills being converted to robusta coffee. Combined with sprinkler irrigation and the massive felling of trees for quick commercial rewards (Tata Coffee and BBTC leading the way), the planters predictably followed suit. The large scale extraction of trees was never in the psyche of the regular Nature loving planters, including during the time of Consolidated Coffee.
The time has come to reverse the process for the future of our existence.
This is such a thought provoking article and ECOCIDE should definitely be recognized as a crime going forward before our politicians who are mainly responsible for this new crime get away without punishment. Recognising ECOCIDE as a very serious Crime is going to be quite a task because the law makers are the ones mainly getting affected by this. But still let’s all fight to make this a reality for the good of our GEN NEXT.
THIS PLANET PROVIDES FOR EVERYONE’S NEED BUT NOT FOR EVERYONE’S GREED. Alas how true this is!!!
From time immemorial, nobody has really benefitted from the sale of timber – or by being a timber merchant or trader. Nature hits back.
On a macro scale, the results are even more dramatic. Massive destruction of Amazonian forests and to a lesser extent the devastation of forests in our country for mining, will definitely have its consequences resulting in landslides and irreversible climate change. We are already seeing the shift in Kodagu.
The 5 causes of environmental degradation —pollution, deforestation, overpopulation, climate change, and waste generation—are interconnected and require collective action from businesses, governments, and individuals.
Sadly, we are not doing anything concrete on any of these fronts 😡
What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another. If we lose the integrity of the Earth’s systems, we lose everything. There are no jobs on a dead planet.
A powerful and much-needed wake-up call. Ecocide is real, and its impact is devastating—not just globally, but right here in our backyard in Kodagu. As custodians of nature, it’s time we act responsibly, demand accountability, and protect our forests, water sources, and biodiversity before it’s too late. Grateful to Mr. Avay Shukla and CLN for bringing this critical issue to light.
Very well written. The accelerating destruction of ecosystems is pushing the planet toward irreversible collapse. Existing environmental laws are toothless against large-scale crimes by governments and corporations. Ecocide must be treated as a global offense, akin to genocide, due to its far-reaching and lasting impact. Recognizing it under the Rome Statute would bring accountability to those enabling environmental devastation. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and mass deforestation know no borders and demand international legal action. Declaring ecocide a crime is not just urgent—it’s essential for humanity’s survival.
This is a powerful and important article that gives a serious warning about how human actions especially deforestation, pollution, and short-sighted development are driving our planet toward disaster. It highlights the worsening climate crisis, rapid loss of wildlife, and the failure of governments and even reputed companies to take real responsibility.
The idea of declaring this destruction as ‘ecocide’ and making it a global crime is a bold but necessary step to hold the guilty accountable. The message is clear: urgent and strong action is needed now to save our planet before it’s too late.
Excellent write up by the author about Ecocide. Hope this reaches our political leaders, Resort Owners, Forest Department, Coorg Wildlife Society, Corporates like Tata Coffee and the District Administration.
Kodagu – known for its verdant and sacred landscape, (unnecessarily dubbed as the Scotland of India) with its green coverage, fresh air, Water falls, streams etc.. is losing its charm. Deforestation to build more resorts, homestay in the District has become revenue generation point for the hospitality chains. Like any city hotel, the discussion is on revenue generation but not on saving the green world. As CSR activity they just plant few trees unscientifically which is of no use – merely picture taken and circulated in media , Is this of any use??? Madikeri is even mistakenly called a rainforest.
Recently in Bangalore Trees were axed near Yeshwantpur railway station to extend platform – did any senior officials at Indian railways think before axing these trees???
In Himalayan range glaciers are melting which is a major concern. Hope our political leaders, corporates and every citizen think of afforestation and not deforestation. The future of our very existence is at risk.