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Green criminology is the study of environmental crime and harm. But what exactly does that mean? Below we look at what it is, how it fits into the wider context of criminology and explore some of the key areas of green criminology. Read on to learn more.
Written by Grant Longstaff. Published 23 October 2026.
Definition of green criminology
Green criminology refers to the study and analysis of environmental crime and environmental harm. It looks at how human activity can damage the natural environment, the impact of that damage and the ways governments, businesses and individuals are held accountable.
Green criminology also considers environmental harm which may be legal but still causes significant damage to people, animals or ecosystems. For example, green criminologists could investigate industrial activity which is legally permitted, but still causes pollution, damages wildlife habitats or poses a risk to nearby communities.
What is the difference between criminology and green criminology?
Criminology examines crime, criminal behaviour and the criminal justice system. It explores why people commit offences, how crime affects victims and how society can prevent and respond to criminal activity.
Green criminology is a branch of criminology, focusing in on those areas we highlighted above. Environmental offences can be studied using traditional criminological methods, while green criminology provides additional ways to understand their wider social and ecological consequences.
Green criminology is a relatively new area of research. In 2016 Michael J. Lynch, who first introduced the term green criminology in 1990, and Paul B. Stretesky, wrote Exploring Green Criminology. In it they stated, “most criminologists may find themselves disagreeing with [the] basic premise that environmental harms matter more than criminal harms”. This wasn’t to diminish human centred criminology. Instead, Lynch and Stretesky argued that more criminologists need to embrace green criminology, stating “when criminology excludes an environmental frame of reference, it hides from our vision the vast array of harms perpetuated against and through the victimisation of the environment.”
What issues does green criminology explore?
Pollution and environmental damage
One of the biggest issues explored by green criminology is pollution. This includes air and water pollution, soil contamination, plastic waste and the release of hazardous substances into the environment. The effects can extend far beyond the immediate location of an incident. Contaminated water can threaten public health, while the destruction of forests can contribute to biodiversity loss, disrupt local communities and have an impact on peoples’ livelihoods.
Corporate environmental harm
Businesses play a significant role in environmental damage, particularly in industries involving manufacturing, energy, construction and natural resource extraction. Green criminology examines how corporate decisions, cost-cutting and the pursuit of profit can contribute to environmental harm. It also explores whether companies are complying with environmental regulations and what happens when they fail to do so.
Environmental crime
Environmental crime refers to illegal activities that damage ecosystems, exploit natural resources or undermine environmental protection.
Examples include:
- Illegal dumping and fly tipping
- Trafficking hazardous waste
- Illegal logging
- Wildlife trafficking
- Unlawful fishing
- Destruction of protected habitats
- Breaches of environmental permits and pollution regulations.
Some environmental crimes are organised across national borders, making investigation and enforcement more complicated with criminal networks exploiting the differences between countries' laws. Green criminology helps explore how these activities operate and how law enforcement agencies and policymakers might be able to better tackle such crimes.
Animal protection
Green criminology also examines harm inflicted on animals, including animal cruelty, illegal wildlife trading, poaching and the exploitation of animals for commercial gain. Researchers may investigate the reasons behind these offences, the markets that sustain them and the effectiveness of animal protection laws.
Why is green criminology important?
Green criminology is increasingly relevant as environmental challenges become more urgent and the consequences of environmental damage become harder to ignore. Climate change, loss of biodiversity and pollution are global problems with significant social and economic consequences.
Green criminology can help researchers investigate the human activities and decisions that contribute to these challenges and considers important questions surrounding the world we live in. For example, are some communities more vulnerable to environmental harm than others? How does environmental damage affect future generations? Does existing legislation do enough to protect the environment?
By understanding the causes and consequences of environmental harm, researchers can contribute to discussions about stronger regulation, more effective enforcement and better environmental protection.
Green criminology challenges us to reconsider how we define the damage and results of environmental harm, highlights how individuals, businesses and governments can contribute to environmental harm and how these actions affect people, animals and ecosystems. As environmental challenges continue to shape public debate, understanding green criminology can help us explore the relationship between justice, accountability and the protection of our planet.
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