The Role of Denial in the Theft of Nature: A Comparison of Biopiracy and Climate Change

• In Event: The Theft of Nature: Perspectives from Green Criminology

Abstract

Since its inception, green criminology has attempted to highlight instances of environmental degradation and destruction, as well as examine and analyze the causes thereof. While there are an array of reasons for environmental crime and environmental harm, more generally, the theft of nature and natural resources is one of the main drivers. Even though this theft is widespread and is, in part, well known, it is able to persist because, as this paper argues, powerful actors put forward an influential narrative of denial that obstructs interventions and protective measures. This paper explores the role of denial in two thefts of nature—biopiracy and climate change—and compares and contrasts the manifestations of denial that contribute to the continuation of these forms of environmental harm. This paper considers the denial of the harms of biopiracy and climate change, as well as the “appeal to higher loyalties” (economic interests over environmental concerns) that occurs in both cases, and discusses the implications for the victims of biopiracy and climate change if such denial goes unchallenged and remains the central narrative.

Authors

• Tanya Wyatt, Northumbria University

• Avi Brisman, Eastern Kentucky University