Abstract
Ecocide is a deliberate wiping out of the natural environment, including ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources, resulting in harm to human health and the environment which has become a pressing concern, particularly in the context of climate change. This paper aim to synthesize the existing evidence on the impacts of ecocide on human health, with a focus on the implications for environmental justice. The objective of the paper is to systematically review the evidence on the impacts of ecocide on human health, highlighting the various pathways through which environmental destruction affects human well-being. The methodology applied in this paper is doctrinal approach. The paper’s findings are; that the health consequences of ecocide activities, which ranges from respiratory diseases, cancers, reproductive disorders and neurological impairments is traceable to illegal oil spills, toxic waste dumping, deforestation, and industrial pollution are borne disproportionately by economically disadvantaged and politically marginalized communities. These events have underscored the urgent need for environmental justice, which prioritizes the health and well-being of marginalized communities within the Niger Delta Region and other remote areas towards promoting sustainable environmental practices. The implications are twofold. Firstly, it highlights the need for policymakers to prioritize environmental protection and public health. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of community-led initiatives in promoting environmental justice. In conclusion, there is a proposition for severe penalty for perpetrators of ecocide and adequate reparations for harm inflicted on the people and the community.
Keywords: Ecocide, Human health, Environmental justice, Climate change, Sustainable development and Public health.