ecocide
Americans express concern over nature but often misjudge their role in environmental damage
A recent global survey reveals that while many Americans are worried about environmental issues, a large portion does not see themselves as contributing significantly to the problem.
In short:
- The Global Commons survey found that 88% of respondents globally are worried about environmental destruction.
- Half of Americans polled do not feel personally affected by climate risks, despite evidence showing they are.
- Only 15% of Americans believe they bear responsibility for environmental harm, attributing blame to businesses and governments.
Key quote:
“It’s troubling that Americans aren’t making that connection.”
— Geoff Dabelko, professor at Ohio University
Why this matters:
Americans’ misunderstanding of their environmental impact hinders progress toward global climate goals. Individual lifestyle changes, especially among the wealthiest, are crucial to reducing carbon emissions and halting ecosystem destruction.
Related EHN coverage:
Recycling, renewables and rubble: How environmental issues could make or break Ukraine’s EU bid
The environmental impact of Russia’s invasion goes beyond Ukraine – how do we deal with ‘problems without passports’?
Ecological damage, risk of nuclear accident and the economic fallout from war all affect countries well beyond the conflict zone. How should the world deal with these borderless threats?
‘A powerful solution’: Activists push to make ecocide an international crime
This movement aims to make the mass damage and destruction of ecosystems a prosecutable, international crime against peace.
The International Criminal Court turns 20 in turbulent times. Should ‘ecocide’ be added to its list of crimes?
A law professor from Queen Mary University in London has called a proposal to make “ecocide” the fifth international crime the “most credible and advanced” effort to date to expand the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court in The Hague.