Eco-terrorism, also known as environmental terrorism, refers to acts of violence or sabotage committed in the name of environmental causes. The concept emerged prominently in the late 20th century:
1970s-1980s: Early acts associated with eco-terrorism include the actions of groups like the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which famously engaged in direct action against whaling ships.
1990s: The term “eco-terrorism” gained more traction with the activities of groups like Earth First! (founded in 1980), which initially focused on non-violent protests but later saw factions adopting more radical tactics. The Earth Liberation Front (ELF) and the Animal Liberation Front (ALF), formed in the 1990s, are perhaps the most notorious for their more militant actions.
2000s: Post-9/11, there was a significant crackdown on what the FBI labeled “eco-terrorism” or “green scare” due to heightened security measures against terrorism in general. This period saw numerous arrests and convictions of members from ELF and ALF.
Objectives:
The primary objectives of eco-terrorism include:
Environmental Protection: Preventing or halting activities believed to cause environmental damage, such as logging, mining, animal testing, and fossil fuel extraction.
Raising Awareness: By engaging in dramatic actions, these groups aim to draw public attention to environmental issues that they feel are being ignored by conventional means.
Economic Disruption: Targeting profit-driven industries to make continuing environmentally destructive activities economically unfeasible or less profitable.
Policy Change: Influencing legislation or corporate practices through pressure and fear of further attacks.
Tactics:
Eco-terrorism involves a range of tactics:
Arson: Burning down buildings or equipment, like ski resorts, logging equipment, or vehicle fleets of companies perceived as environmentally harmful.
Sabotage: Disabling or destroying machinery, cutting down power lines, or spiking trees (inserting metal spikes into trees to make logging dangerous or unfeasible).
Vandalism: Graffiti, breaking windows, or destroying property to send a message or cause economic damage.
Liberation: Releasing animals from farms, laboratories, or fur farms, often involving burglary and property damage.
Intimidation: Threats or actions against individuals (like CEOs or scientists) involved in practices deemed ecologically damaging.
Blockades and Protests: While not inherently violent, these can escalate into or be accompanied by acts considered eco-terrorism when they involve significant property damage or threats to safety.
Eco-terrorism has been controversial due to its methods, which often involve illegal activities, leading to legal consequences and public debate over the ethics and effectiveness of such radical environmentalism. The balance between the severe nature of some tactics and the urgency of environmental protection continues to fuel discussions on how best to approach environmental activism.