Photo: Nina Macpherson, Alfred Askeljung, Jonas Ebbesson, Johanna Lundgren Gestlöf & Magnus Oden
Image credit: Anna Surtevall
Nina Macpherson and Anna Surtevall from the Ecocide Law Alliance described their work to engage business sector support for international legislation addressing liability for large-scale environmental destruction by establishing ecocide as a fifth crime under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC). There are many reasons for responsible business to engage, such as increased employee engagement and retention of key talent, the creation of a global level playing field and a push for innovation.
Jonas Ebbesson, Professor of Environmental Law at Stockholm University, outlined the structure and evolution of international law regarding transboundary environmental liability. He also discussed the recently published ICC policy** detailing how existing Rome Statute rules should be applied to environmental crimes. Ebbesson went on to explain the importance of introducing ecocide as new international crime. In addition to setting a global standard for one of the worst crimes, it would highlight the responsibility for the business sector not to engage in or contribute to large-scale environmental destruction. As an example he mentioned the Paris agreement which may be criticised but nevertheless has pointed business and society towards a more sustainable future.
Johanna Lundgren Gestlöf, Head of Sustainability at SPP, and Alfred Askeljung, Sustainability Integration Lead at SEB Asset Management, shared insights regarding both the responsibility of asset owners and asset managers, along with practical implications from supporting a global agreement on ecocide. Alfred highlighted potential support to active ownership dialogues, especially in less well-governed jurisdictions. Johanna pointed out that there were no valid arguments to say no to the inclusion of the proposed crime and there was a broad consensus on the benefits- so why can’t we get our act together?
*UN Principles for Responsible Investment
** Policy on Addressing Environmental Damage through the Rome Statute
