Climate Crimes in the Sustainability Transition
Understanding and addressing emerging crimes and harms that undermine a fair and just sustainability transition.
Centre of Expertise Global and Inclusive Learning
As climate change effects intensify, sustainability transitions are becoming increasingly crucial. However, these transitions also bring new forms of crime and harm. This project explores how police services, or any other regulatory institutions, can identify and respond to such emerging climate crimes.
Background project
Sustainability transitions may unintentionally enable harmful practices, from fraud in climate funding to illegal trade in greenhouse gases. In this study, sustainability-transition related crimes are understood as intentional or unintentional acts or omissions that are considered seriously harmful to the pursuit of a just and fair transition to a sustainable economy. These include the lack of, or inadequate, compliance with climate solutions by individuals or both illegal and legal entities. Recognizing these as serious threats is vital for effective, just climate action and law enforcement.
Purpose
To inform police services, or any other regulatory actors involved in sustainability transition processes, on new crimes and harms linked to sustainability transitions.
Target
This project is aimed at law enforcement professionals, regulatory actors, researchers, educators, and policymakers who are involved in initiatives and practices related to sustainability transitions.
Method
Using the Delphi method to map emerging climate crimes, the project also includes a crime script analysis of a relevant case study and integrates findings into education within the Crime, Safety, and Security minor offered in the Safety and Security Management Studies programme.
Results
Expected outputs include a forecasting and typology of emerging climate crimes, an in-depth case study analysis, and extensions to educational modules to enhance student learning and police training.
Impact
The research helps police services, or any other regulatory actors, understand and act on under-recognised climate crimes. It also contributes to education at THUAS, strengthening the bridge between research, policy, and policing practice.
More information
Contact the researchers listed below for updates. Project outcomes will be shared on THUAS platforms.
Start and end date
January – December 2025
Funding
This project is funded by PGO funds.
Collaboration
Conducted in collaboration with the Sustainability and Environmental Safety Programme of the Dutch Police.
Team
Dr. Anna Matczak (Senior Lecturer and Researcher), Zarin Hussain (Junior Researcher)
Contact
Dr. Anna Matczak – [email protected]
Zarin Hussain – [email protected]