The Killing of Indigenous Environmental Activists: An Example of Green-State-Corporate Crime Intersections

• In Event: Poster Session I

Abstract

Hidden from the inspection of criminologists is a serious issue illustrating the intersection between green, state, and corporate criminology/crimes – the killing of Indigenous Peoples engaged in environmental activism. These killings, which are likely under-reported, have been tracked by the organization, Global Witness, since 2012. Our study examines the possibility that some global economic factors contribute to the genocide of Indigenous Peoples and the killing of Indigenous Environmental Activists. The majority of known killings occur in South and Central America. Factors potentially influencing these killings include: the distribution of oil and shale oil/gas resources; the distribution of gold and other precious metal resources; forest resources; other measures of natural capital; and political stability and instability indicators.

Authors

• Averi R Fegadel, University of South Florida

• Michael J. Lynch, University of South Florida