Environmental terrorism

For violent attacks done in the name of the environment, see Eco-terrorism.

Environmental terrorism consists of one or more unlawful actions that harm or destroy environmental resources and/or deprive others of their use.[1] More colloquially, the phrase is also used to label actions seen as the unnecessary or unjustified destruction of the environment for personal and/or corporate gain.

Definition

There are academic and semantic difficulties in defining “terrorism” and specifically “environmental terrorism.” But discussions of environmental terrorism are growing, with a focus on identifying possible risks to natural resources or environmental features. Some,[2] including in the military [3] argue that attacks on natural resources can now cause more deaths, property damage, political chaos, and other adverse effects than in previous years.

Chalecki distinguishes between environmental terrorism and eco-terrorism. She notes that environmental terrorism can be defined “as the unlawful use of force against in situ environmental resources so as to deprive populations of their benefit(s) and/or destroy other property". In contrast, eco-terrorism is the destruction of property in the interest of saving the environment from human encroachment and destruction.[4] More concisely, environmental terrorism involves targeting natural resources. Eco-terrorism involves targeting the built environment such as roads, buildings and trucks, in defense of natural resources. Other analysts may fail to distinguish between these different threats.[5]

Eco-terrorism

The term eco-terrorism has been used in the media to refer to environmental terrorism. Usually however eco-terrorism refers to violence done to persons or property in the name of the environment or environmental causes.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Alpas, Hami (2011). Environmental Security and Ecoterrorism. Springer. p. 16. ISBN 9789400712379.
  2. ↑ Chalecki, Elizabeth (September 2001). "A New Vigilance: Identifying and Reducing the Risks of Environmental Terrorism" (PDF). Pacific Institute.
  3. ↑ Butts, K.H.; Turner, C. W.; Jasparr, C. (September 2003). "Environmental Security Cooperation". Center for Strategic Leadership, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
  4. ↑ San Francisco Chronicle, July 1, 2001, page A10
  5. ↑ "Environmental terrorism - definition".

Further reading