Green criminology is the study of environmental crimes and harms impacting human and non-human life, ecosystems, and the biosphere. This field seeks to understand the systemic and structural causes of environmental degradation, emphasizing the need for ecological justice. For instance, the extinction of the Warblers, which is driven by climate change, symbolizes “ecocide”—the destruction of ecosystems due to human actions like pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Cultural criminology, examines the interaction between culture and crime, including media representations and societal reactions. The Warblers’ extinction also signifies cultural loss, as these birds may hold cultural significance, symbolizing a loss of heritage. Media often dramatizes climate impacts without looking at broader ecological or cultural consequences, and less charismatic species like Warblers are frequently overshadowed. Ideal media coverage should connect these impacts to broader ecological and cultural consequences, highlighting the species’ cultural importance and promoting climate-resilient management practices. Awareness campaigns, like those on the Climate+Challenge platform, can challenge current media representations, raise awareness about the Warblers’ plight, and mobilize public support for conservation efforts. By using green and cultural criminology lenses, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the Warblers’ extinction, emphasizing both environmental harms and cultural significance, and guiding more effective public engagement and conservation strategies.

By Japnoor Thind