How to Join Walk for Earth

When you use this sample text

• We’ve indicated [in red] for you to add specifics about your walk and why the passing of an ecocide law matters to you. You’ll need to add a URL link to your image in the space indicated. Don’t attach any image files to your email – these get filtered out of your MP’s inbox.

Sample text – to copy and paste into your message to your MP, or use as a starting point for a posted letter

I’m writing to ask what your views are on ecocide law, and to ask what you can do to encourage the government to express public support for it. 

As you may know, ‘ecocide’ was defined by a diverse independent panel of jurists and legal experts – convened by Stop Ecocide International and chaired by Philippe Sands QC – in June 2021 as “unlawful or wanton acts” committed “with knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or longterm damage to the environment being caused by those acts”.

Here is the succint legal definition the panel drew up: https://tinyurl.com/2ksfvdhe

As you might know, in its 2023 summary report the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that “There is a rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all”  and that “The choices and actions implemented in this decade will have impacts now and for thousands of years”. [1]

I recently did a local ‘Walk for Earth’ in support of Stop Ecocide International [add details about your walk – from and to, how many miles, any personal context].

I did this walk because [say why an ecocide law matters to you. Include feelings you have about the current or future impacts of climate change and ecosystem damage in your locality, region, country. Mention any concerns you have about the impact on homes, families, children, livelihoods].

Here is an image from my walk: [add your URL link, or include a printed copy if you’re posting a letter. You could mention any inspiring features of the natural landscape or ecology.]

Treaties, agreements and civil lawsuits have failed to prevent the mass damage and destruction of our life-supporting ecosystems. Amending the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to include ecocide as a fifth international crime could provide an effective deterrent for those in positions of responsibility, enforceable within existing criminal justice systems.

Elected officials in at least 20 countries have already spoken up in support of ecocide law, and their support is echoed by diverse groups from youth activists to the International Corporate Governance Network.

In this time of climate and ecological emergency, it is important to me to know whether you, as my MP, are wiling to ask the government to express its support for a new law of ecocide?

I would also like to request feedback on how the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister for the Environment, and the Minister of Justice might contribute to the UK government publicly declaring support for an ecocide amendment. Does the Minister of Justice intend to further the progress of ecocide law in domestic legislation?

Please can you pass my request to the Minister of Justice, Minister for the Environment [add their name], Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Prime Minister [add their name] ?

Please would you kindly confirm in writing that you have done this on my behalf, and forward any replies from the above Ministers.

Sincerely [your name]
[Add your full address – you must include it for your communication to be effective, even if you’re sending an email].

Adapt the text to your needs:

I’m joining forces with ‘Walk for Earth’ to do my own fundraising walk in support of Stop Ecocide. They’re working towards an international ‘ecocide law’ to make the large-scale destruction of the living world illegal. I’m also encouraging my MP to ask the UK government to express support for ecocide law.

Will you kindly sponsor me to walk [add the details of your walk, location and distance, dates and who else you are walking with, if relevant]?

All levels of donation are perfect, and no amount is too small. If you want to donate, it will help me if you say how much you give, so I can track what I’ve raised through my efforts. You will stay anonymous and none of your details will be used. 

Here’s the link to use:  https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/19962#!/DonationDetails

Stop Ecocide International is the driving force behind the growing global movement to make ecocide an international crime. In this work they collaborate with diplomats, lawyers, corporate leaders, NGOs, indigenous and faith groups, influencers, academic experts, grassroots campaigns and individuals. 

An ecocide law would provide a much-needed deterrent to the continuing extraction and use of fossil fuels, providing a legal framework for the move towards the decarbonised economy we urgently need. It would put a duty of care for the Earth at the centre of international moral values.

Thank you so much for your support.