keskkonnarikked

Keskkonnarikked, also known as environmental crime or ecocide, refers to the deliberate or negligent acts that cause significant harm to the environment. These acts can range from illegal logging and mining to pollution and habitat destruction. Ecocide is distinct from other forms of environmental degradation as it involves deliberate human actions aimed at causing environmental harm, often for economic gain or convenience.

The term "ecocide" was coined by the late Canadian lawyer and environmentalist Barry Commoner in the 1970s. It gained broader recognition with the adoption of the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) definition in 2001, which states that ecocide is "any act of a human being that causes environmental degradation, damage, or destruction that is so serious as to constitute a crime against peace and security for which there can be no justification."

Examples of ecocide include the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989, the Bhopal gas tragedy in 1984, and the destruction of the Amazon rainforest due to deforestation. These incidents highlight the severe consequences of environmental crime, including loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, and long-term environmental degradation.

Addressing ecocide requires international cooperation and the enforcement of environmental laws. Organizations like the UNEP and non-governmental groups work to raise awareness, promote sustainable practices, and hold perpetrators accountable. Education and public awareness campaigns are also crucial in preventing and combating environmental crime.