Climate crisis directly threatens the physical and cultural integrity, and economic functioning, of island nations. However the islands have a very real collective power which can curb the destructive practices exacerbating climate change. This power is at the level of international law. A growing global movement across all sectors of society is demanding creation of a new international crime of ecocide – making it a crime to threaten severe and either widespread or long-term damage to ecosystems. This damage is a root cause of the climate crisis. If enough countries support it, ecocide can be added to the list of international crimes alongside genocide and crimes against humanity. This will act as a powerful brake on harmful extractive practices and a much-needed incentive for strategic change and innovation. Thus, together, the islands can be a powerful global force for the protection of each other, and of all life on Earth.
Caroline Mair-Toby
Director & Founder, Institute for Small Islands
