Evaluating Environmental Crimes Through the Prism of Criminological Theories

Abstract

Humans and society are structured on cyclical routines, recurrent happenings, and patterns. Our brains are so wired for this habit that we frequently detect chaotic patterns when none exist. Environmental crimes are no different—we hear about different forms of environmental crimes on a daily basis. Crimes like poaching, wildlife killing, pollution, artificial forest fires, illegal logging, and the list go long. Addressing the topic academically is necessary to know this particular type of crime, and what triggers the perpetrators to commit such offenses. Criminology has always been supportive as a step towards every social science subject. So, in that sense, it's necessary to learn about environmental crimes through the prism of criminological theories. The chapter provides detailed insight with the help of a systematic review of major criminological theories in environmental crimes. The need for the chapter is crucial because before getting into the paradox of addressing and punishing such crimes, it's necessary to address the genesis of such crimes.