Event: “Ecocide and the need for a new moral code”, Cardiff, September 15
Invitation to an event at the Temple of Peace, King Edward V11 Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AP on September 15, doors open at 6.00pm
Main speaker: Polly Higgins, barrister and leader of the international campaign to end ecocide
Other confirmed speakers: Welsh bard Mererid Hopwood and Pippa Barelotti, leader of the Wales Green Party
Organiser/contact for further information or to reserve a place: Diana Marquand (diana.marquand[at]btinternet.com)
Ecocide is the damage to or destruction or loss of eco systems on our planet earth. Bees are at risk because of insecticides and the loss of wild flower meadows, polar bears are suffering because of all the carbon that we use which is causing global warming so that their lives are threatened on the melting ice caps. Much of the damage to our planet including some very serious oil spills is caused by corporations and currently they are not bound by any law except that they have to make a profit for their shareholders. The law of ecocide would change all this: it would create a duty of care on the part of governments and corporations for the earth and for all of the life that is sustained upon it.
Ecocide is known as the 5th crime against peace It was first proposed that it should become law after the Vietnam War. Continuing wars between humans cause significant harm to ourselves and our environment: we are still experiencing damage as a result of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Organiser Diana Marquand says: “My belief is that the current emphasis on making a profit regardless of what happens to people and the environment needs to end and end now so that our children and grandchildren may enjoy a peaceful and sustainable future.” You can see her speaking about “ecocide” with a section about the oil spill in the Niger Delta and links to Polly Higgins who leads the international campaign at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adc3TtG5DQo&feature=youtu.be.
You can also sign the petition to End Ecocide UK at http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/the-campaign-to-end-ecocide-in-the-uk.