NCJ Number
225972
Date Published
June 2008
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses what can be learned from traditional crime prevention to reduce and prevent environmental harm.
Abstract
A problem-solving approach in the prevention of environmental harm involves tailoring interventions and strategies based on the source and type of harm, and according to place, scale, and the perceived threat. To highlight the potential for unintended consequences on the vulnerable and less powerful of greater controls and illustrate the range of situational and social measures that could be applied to minimize harmful or illegal behavior, subsistence, and traditional fishing is used as an example. Worldwide concern about the impact of climate change, population growth, and resource depletion will continue to drive a focus on environmental harms. Tackling and reducing these harms will eventually lead to regulation and the criminalization of both intentional and negligent acts. However, there are issues that will confront criminologists in trying to understand environmental issues that require consideration; these include: defining the problem, preventative and precautionary measures, tailoring the responses, problems of displacement, questions of agency, and politics of knowing. References