What if destroying nature became an international crime? In this episode of Cooper UNion, Joshua Cooper speaks with Lauren Banham, Anna Maddrick, and Rodrigo Lledó about the growing global movement to recognize ecocide — severe and widespread environmental destruction — as a crime under international law. The conversation traces the origins of the concept, its connection to human rights, climate justice, Indigenous Peoples’ protection of the Earth, and efforts to transform international legal systems. Together, they explore how recognizing ecocide could create stronger accountability, protect ecosystems and communities, and reshape humanity’s relationship with the natural world.

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