The Environmental Crimes

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AN ASSESSMENT OF THE THREAT TO THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT BY ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES

INTRODUCTION

Environmental crimes directly affect the well‐being of the world, in different ways. Forests and oceans are the biggest retainers of carbon dioxide, which is responsible for global warming. By reducing their carbon sequestration capacities, environmental crimes fuel the ongoing process of climate change, which results in droughts, floods, extreme weather, and altered habitats. (Picture source below: https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/newscms/2021_13/3461066/210331-ecocides-main-cover-cs.jpg)

Environmental crimes particularly affect economically-marginalized communities, since their livelihoods are more immediately linked to dependence on natural resources. The direct effects of environmental crimes become immediately visible through increased poverty. Moreover, the loss of income from the legal trade of natural resources erodes the revenue base of governments and undermines their ability to implement their development programs and maintain the rule of law.

By over‐exploiting forests, wildlife, water (marine and inland) resources, and smuggling hazardous wastes and ozone‐depleting substances (ODS), criminal groups undermine the stability of the ecosystems, and their ability to provide clean air, hydrological stability, and food provision for future generations.

Therefore, fighting environmental crimes is a clear responsibility of national governments and international organizations in their pursuit of human security. The trade-in of illegally sourced timber hampers the economic, social, and environmental benefits that forests would otherwise bring. Southeast Asia is undergoing the fastest deforestation in the world, especially in Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Timor‐Leste. It is estimated that the percentage of illegally logged timber (out of the total harvest) in the Mekong Sub‐Region countries is 90% in Cambodia, 45% in Lao PDR, 40% in Thailand, and 20‐40% in Vietnam.
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This is why, according to the World Bank, illegal logging generates an enormous amount of illegal turnover ‘completely outside the control of fiscal authorities and free to spread corruption contagion throughout the economy’. (Source: https://www.unodc.org/documents/southeastasiaandpacific/Publications/environmental-crimes/EnvStrat_EAP__06__30_Mar_2009_.pdf)

THE DRIVING FORCE OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES

There are three mains factors that are the driving force behind environmental crimes: (Source above picture: https://i.imgur.com/fGPNypy.png) Watch the video below and connect the next topic why there are “GREEN CRIMES”! 

  1. The first of these is the high gains associated with such acts. Crimes associated with wildlife are estimated to make around $23 billion annually, making it the 4th most profitable crime just after illegal drugs, human trafficking, and weapons trafficking.
  2. The second factor is the modest recognition of said breaches and the punishments correlated to them. The fact that there is little awareness of such crimes in many countries facilitates and encourages criminals to continue carrying out their destructive schemes. The risks are also considered to be lower as penalties in certain countries are much inferior to those for illegal drugs or human trafficking.
  3. The third factor is the high demand for traditional medicine and the arguable health benefits associated to them. The use of various body parts of endangered animals, such as shark fins or rhino horns, for the creation of ointments and other dubious cures with no medical proof, is a big factor in the hunting and killing of wildlife. (Video & Literature Source: https://pideeco.be/articles/environmental-green-crimes-aml-money-laundering/)

THE ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS AND IMPLEMENTING AGENCY

The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) is a Line Bureau By Virtue Of Section 34 Of The Philippine Clean Air Act Of 1999 (Ra 8749).  The Bureau is mandated to implement on a nationwide scale the six (6) important environmental laws to wit:

  1. Environmental Impact Assessment Law (PD 1586)
  2. Toxic Substances And Hazardous Waste Management Act (RA 6969)
  3. Clean Air Act Of 1999 (RA 8749)
  4. Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003)
  5. Clean Water Act (RA 9275)
  6. Environmental Awareness And Education Act Of 2009 (RA 9512)

FUNCTIONS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BUREAU (EMB)

  1. Advise The Secretary On Matters Relating To Environmental Management
  2. Formulate Plans And Policies And Set Appropriate Environmental Quality Standards (Water, Air, and Noise) For The Prevention, Control Of Pollution, and Protection Of The Environment
  3. Exercises Direct Supervision Over Its Regional Offices In The Implementation Of Plans And Programs.  The Central And Regional Offices Of The Bureau Discharge Both Staff And Regulatory Functions; & Issue Permits, Clearances Under  R.A. 8749, R.A. 9003, R.A. 9275, R.A 6969, and P.D. 1586  and Monitor Compliance to Said Laws
  4. Provides Secretariat Support To The Pollution  Adjudication Board Per Eo 192
  5. Provides Secretariat Support To The National Solid Waste Management Commission As Provided For In Section 4 Of Ra 9003
  6. Develop And Implement A Research And Development Program In Support Of The Following: (-) Environmental Criteria And Standards Formulation; (–) Environmental And Compliance Monitoring; And (—) Study of Existing and Potential Environmental Problems and Issues
  7. Implement A System For The Recognition Of Environmental Laboratories
  8. Promote Public Information And Education To Encourage Participation Of An Informed Citizenry In Environmental Quality Planning And Monitoring.
  9. Serve As Focal Point Agency  For International Agreements/Commitments

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