Incorporating a One Health Approach Into the Study of Environmental Crimes and Harms: Towards a ‘One Health Green Criminology’

Abstract

Amid increasingly intense and frequent Emerging Infectious Disease events, such as COVID-19, it is evident that the current global ecological crisis poses a threat to the health and well-being of humans, non-human animals and ecosystems. This paper aims to expand existing green criminological scholarship by arguing for the incorporation of a ‘One Health’ perspective. This would (1) enable the integration of scientific knowledge to better address threats, harms and crimes to health and well-being; and (2) contribute to the advance of Eco-justice. The study identifies four areas where a One Health perspective within green criminology may reveal overlooked harms and threats to health and well-being. Conversely, integrating green criminology would benefit the One Health scientific community and specific programs.