Ecocide

If health is based on social determinants (WHO 2008), if health is based on the physical environment (Barton and Grant 2006), then, just as slavery and apartheid were crimes aganst humanity, ecocide is a crime against the planet that supports human life. Nurses have a role in promoting health of individuals, communities and populations (NMC 2010), so that means arguing for ecocide to be made a crime? Wright Mills (1959) clearly pointed out a social and political role for the 'emancipated liberal educator', nurses who realise the direct links between industrial practices and human health may have this moral obilgation to address such seemingly 'un-nursing' issues?

The petrochemical industry (which gets a $600 trillion subsidy globally) could become a criminal. So, banks and governments should withdraw support for criminals. The arguments against this (introducing ecocide as a crime) are the same arguments made by slave traders. However, the moral imperative won out over the economic imperative. Perhaps we should view our own use of oil as a crime? Individuals will find it hard to wean off it, but the petrochemical industry should be forced to stop, give them some time to prepare, say 5 years before ecocide becomes law.

See:http://www.pollyhiggins.com/Polly_Higgins/Ecocide__5th_Crime_Against_Pe…

Polly's books on the subject of course give a much deeper reasoning and a path forward. However it is a form of futures thinking that right now may seem 'wierd' but future generations may think was a long time coming?

Polly presented her ideas at a recent RSA event: 'Earth is our business':  http://www.thersa.org/events/audio-and-past-events/2012/eradicating-eco…