Ecocide is defined in the Bill as causing severe environmental harm in such a way that is either reckless or intentional. For this Bill, “Severe”, means environmental harm that has serious adverse effects, and is either “widespread” or “long-term”.
This Bill will allow for people and organisations to be convicted of ecocide. When someone acting as an employee commits ecocide, that person’s employer may also be convicted of the offence.
However, they can avoid conviction if:
Courts must take into account any financial benefit arising from the offence when deciding what level of fines to apply. Courts may also require compensation to be paid for any personal injury loss or damage caused by the offence. The costs of repairing or mitigating the effects of any harm to the environment resulting from the offence would also need to be paid.
In addition, the courts may also make a publicity order where a person is convicted of ecocide. This means that the details of the offence would be advertised.
Ministers will need to submit a report to Parliament after five years on the operation of the Bill.
As with all Bills, the Finance and Public Administration Committee invites written evidence on the estimated financial implications of the Bill as set out in its accompanying Financial Memorandum (FM).
Read the FM for this Bill: Financial Memorandum.
The Committee has launched a call for views on the Financial Memorandum of the Bill. The closing date for submissions is Tuesday 9 September 2025.
You can submit your views to the Committee on Citizen Space.