The destruction of environment by corporations. The case of Eldorado Gold in Chalkidiki, Greece

• In Event: GREEN Panel 1, Environmental Crimes of the Powerful: Corporate Harm and Regulatory Failure across Industries

Abstract

The analysis examines the socio-economic factors of the modern world as the key components of environmental harm, while also emphasizing international and Greek initiatives and anti-crime policies aimed at environmental protection. The study explores the concepts of green and environmental crimes and the conflicting schools of thought that either support, or oppose them. Specifically, an argument is put forward regarding the denial, neutralization, and "greenwashing" by businesses, revealing the possible mechanisms that are directly or indirectly linked to environmental destruction. Based on the socio-economic framework of environmental degradation, the environmental threats posed by the Industrial Revolution, (post)modern societies, neoliberalism, and white-collar crimes in the age of world risk society, are further analyzed. Moreover, environmental protection policies within the framework of Greek environmental legislation, alongside EU and international legal frameworks, as well as initiatives, conventions and agreements that could be applicable both transnationally and internationally are also examined. Furthermore, this research highlights how anti-crime policies, environmental justice, inequality, and environmental racism emerge within the broader victimological spectrum related to green crimes. To that end, the research critically analyzes the mining activities in Skouries, Halkidiki, conducted by Eldorado Gold, using a case study approach in order to explore the environmental, social, financial, and cultural impacts of exploiting the natural environment.

Author

• Konstantina Kerkele, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences