Green crime Flashcards
Define green crime
actions that break the law protecting the environment
What are some issues of the meaning
The law changes and there are different interpretations of what’s legal/ illegal in different countries
Give 3 examples of green crime
- Pollution (land, air, water)
- Burning of fossil fuels
- Illegal trafficking of endangered animals
e. g. AT&T illegally dumping their hazardous waste = fined $52bil
Give two groups that commit crime
White:
- Individuals = fly tipping, dealing with endangered animals
- Organised crime = EcoMafia
Who are the victims of crime
White:
Those in poorer countries are at greater risk of environmental crime and exposure of air, water and land pollution e.g. Brazil/Bangladesh
Who describes our society as a global risk society
Beck:
- risk created by advancements in science and technology
How does wolf describe green crime
- GC is motivated by the same factors as ordinary crime
- individuals and companies are motivated to break env laws because crime pays
What does Marxism say about green crime
corporations seek to minimise costs and maximise profits.
- Could be done by dumping of toxic waste in developing countries where H&S regulations / env laws = less demanding = less likely to be enforced = disposable costs are lower
Give two problems of researching green crime
- Laws differ between countries so stats can’t be compared
- Definitions of green crime differ = issues in measurement/ monitoring and reporting green crime
Who takes a Marxist perspective on policing green crime
Snider:
- State is often reluctant to pass laws until they are pressured by public opposition
Who states that green crime doesn’t carry the same stigma as convectional crime
Sutherland:
- green crimes committed by rich coorperations have the power and resources to avoid it being labelled as criminal.
= laws/regs’ may be enforced through fines rather than prosecution
