You may have noticed that the name of the Bill has slightly changed from its original, Ecocide (Prevention) (Scotland) Bill.
As this legislation focuses on making ecocide a crime, prevention is inherent and does not need to be included in its name. There may still be references to the older title, where appropriate, on some pages on this website.
Monica Lennon MSP's Ecocide (Scotland) Bill - Stage 1 update
The Ecocide (Scotland) Bill is currently undergoing Stage 1 scrutiny in the Scottish Parliament.
Stage 1 is the first step in the legislative process. It involves:
- Committee scrutiny: the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee is the lead committee examining the Bill. They are gathering evidence from experts, stakeholders, and the public.
- Call for views: The committee has invited written submissions from individuals and organisations. These views help shape the committee's understanding of the Bill's impact.
- Parliamentary Debate: After the committee reports back, all MSPs will vote on the general principles of the Bill. If the vote passes, the Bill moves to Stage 2. If not, the Bill falls.
The call for views consultation period has now closed, and drew passionate responses from across Scotland. Here are some of the powerful quotes submitted during the consultation:
Beauty Kitchen:
"This Bill should not be seen as a threat to business, but as a necessary driver of transformation. It creates the legal foundation for future-fit
business models that regenerate rather than deplete.
This Bill could be an opportunity - not just a regulation. With the right support, rural communities could become hubs for regenerative innovation - from community-led renewable energy to sustainable tourism and nature restoration economies."
The Ocean Rights Coalition:
"We reject the argument that the Bill is “anti-business.” Rather, it is pro-responsibility."
Stage 1 is the first step in the legislative process. It involves:
- Committee scrutiny: the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee is the lead committee examining the Bill. They are gathering evidence from experts, stakeholders, and the public.
- Call for views: The committee has invited written submissions from individuals and organisations. These views help shape the committee's understanding of the Bill's impact.
- Parliamentary Debate: After the committee reports back, all MSPs will vote on the general principles of the Bill. If the vote passes, the Bill moves to Stage 2. If not, the Bill falls.
The call for views consultation period has now closed, and drew passionate responses from across Scotland. Here are some of the powerful quotes submitted during the consultation:
Beauty Kitchen:
"This Bill should not be seen as a threat to business, but as a necessary driver of transformation. It creates the legal foundation for future-fit
business models that regenerate rather than deplete.
This Bill could be an opportunity - not just a regulation. With the right support, rural communities could become hubs for regenerative innovation - from community-led renewable energy to sustainable tourism and nature restoration economies."
The Ocean Rights Coalition:
"We reject the argument that the Bill is “anti-business.” Rather, it is pro-responsibility."
MSPs support the proposal to introduce an Ecocide
In December 2024, I gained the right to introduce a draft of the Ecocide (Prevention) (Scotland) Bill.
51 MSPs from 5 parties backed the bill, an incredible level of backing for a members' bill.
This is a testament to the power of the campaign to stop ecocide in Scotland.
51 MSPs from 5 parties backed the bill, an incredible level of backing for a members' bill.
This is a testament to the power of the campaign to stop ecocide in Scotland.
Monica Lennon MSP meets with the Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy to discuss the proposed Ecocide (Prevention) (Scotland) Bill
In December 2024, I was pleased to meet with Gillian Martin, the Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy to discuss my proposed Bill to criminalise acts of ecocide in Scots law.
The Cabinet Secretary and officials were able to update me on work the Scottish Government is undertaking to analyse the implications of the EU introducing its own ecocide law and their willingness to work with me to explore avenues to bring forward equivalent legislation in Scotland.
I am grateful to the Scottish Government's engagement on this issue and welcome the opportunity to work with them as I progress the Bill through Parliament.
In December 2024, I was pleased to meet with Gillian Martin, the Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy to discuss my proposed Bill to criminalise acts of ecocide in Scots law.
The Cabinet Secretary and officials were able to update me on work the Scottish Government is undertaking to analyse the implications of the EU introducing its own ecocide law and their willingness to work with me to explore avenues to bring forward equivalent legislation in Scotland.
I am grateful to the Scottish Government's engagement on this issue and welcome the opportunity to work with them as I progress the Bill through Parliament.
Speaking up for Nature- Mentions of Ecocide in the Scottish Parliament
2024
10 December 2024- Scottish Government Debate: Pathways towards Global Human Rights- Meeting of the Parliament: 10/12/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
28 November 2024- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (Stage 1)- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/26/11/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
12 November 2024- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc) Order 2025- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/12/11/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
28 May 2024- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on Climate Change and Environmental Governance- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/28/05/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
21 May 2024- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee Stage 2 session on the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/21/05/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
14 May 2024- Members’ business debate on motion S6M-13008 on Action to Tackle Climate Change Meeting of the Parliament: 14/05/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
14 May 2024- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee Stage 2 session on the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/14/05/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
25 April 2024- First Minister's Questions- Meeting of the Parliament: 25/04/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
5 March 2024- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on Environmental Governance- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/05/03/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
8 February 2024- Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee evidence session on the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement- Meeting of the Parliament: CEEAC/08/02/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
28 November 2024- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (Stage 1)- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/26/11/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
12 November 2024- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on the Scotland Act 1998 (Transfer of Functions to the Scottish Ministers etc) Order 2025- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/12/11/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
28 May 2024- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on Climate Change and Environmental Governance- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/28/05/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
21 May 2024- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee Stage 2 session on the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/21/05/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
14 May 2024- Members’ business debate on motion S6M-13008 on Action to Tackle Climate Change Meeting of the Parliament: 14/05/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
14 May 2024- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee Stage 2 session on the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/14/05/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
25 April 2024- First Minister's Questions- Meeting of the Parliament: 25/04/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
5 March 2024- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on Environmental Governance- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/05/03/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
8 February 2024- Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee evidence session on the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement- Meeting of the Parliament: CEEAC/08/02/2024 | Scottish Parliament Website
2023
12 December 2023- Members' business debate on motion S6M-10961 on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (75th Anniversary) Meeting of the Parliament: 12/12/2023 | Scottish Parliament Website
30 November 2023- General Questions- Meeting of the Parliament: 30/11/2023 | Scottish Parliament Website
14 November 2023- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on the Circular Economy Bill (Stage 1)-Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/14/11/2023 | Scottish Parliament Website
14 November 2023- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on the Circular Economy Bill (Stage 1)- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/14/11/2023 | Scottish Parliament Website
31 October 2023- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on Scottish Water Annual Report and Accounts 2022-23- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/31/10/2023 | Scottish Parliament Website
25 October 2023- Members’ business debate on motion S6M-10793 on climate justice and support for a global loss and damage fund. Meeting of the Parliament: 25/10/2023 | Scottish Parliament Website
27 June 2023- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on the Scottish Government's priorities with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and the Just Transition Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/27/06/2023 | Scottish Parliament Website
16 March 2023- First Minister's Questions- Meeting of the Parliament: 16/03/2023 | Scottish Parliament Website
7 March 2023- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on COP15 outcomes- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/07/03/2023 | Scottish Parliament Website
30 November 2023- General Questions- Meeting of the Parliament: 30/11/2023 | Scottish Parliament Website
14 November 2023- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on the Circular Economy Bill (Stage 1)-Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/14/11/2023 | Scottish Parliament Website
14 November 2023- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on the Circular Economy Bill (Stage 1)- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/14/11/2023 | Scottish Parliament Website
31 October 2023- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on Scottish Water Annual Report and Accounts 2022-23- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/31/10/2023 | Scottish Parliament Website
25 October 2023- Members’ business debate on motion S6M-10793 on climate justice and support for a global loss and damage fund. Meeting of the Parliament: 25/10/2023 | Scottish Parliament Website
27 June 2023- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on the Scottish Government's priorities with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and the Just Transition Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/27/06/2023 | Scottish Parliament Website
16 March 2023- First Minister's Questions- Meeting of the Parliament: 16/03/2023 | Scottish Parliament Website
7 March 2023- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on COP15 outcomes- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/07/03/2023 | Scottish Parliament Website
2022
25 October 2022- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on Environmental Standards Scotland's strategic plan- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/25/10/2022 | Scottish Parliament Website
27 September 2022- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on the Scottish Government's 2022-23 Programme for Government- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/27/09/2022 | Scottish Parliament Website
22 September 2022- Topical Questions- Meeting of the Parliament: 27/09/2022 | Scottish Parliament Website
2021
23 November 2021- Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee evidence session on COP26 Outcomes- Meeting of the Parliament: NZET/23/11/2021 | Scottish Parliament Website
15 September 2021- Opposition Debate: North Sea Oil and Gas- Meeting of the Parliament: 15/09/2021 | Scottish Parliament Website
15 September 2021- Opposition Debate: North Sea Oil and Gas- Meeting of the Parliament: 15/09/2021 | Scottish Parliament Website