Introduction

Social division features greatly in any discussion of climate change justice and victimisation. It is the disadvantaged (those living in poverty), the vulnerable (the very young and the very old) and the dispossessed (Indigenous peoples subjected to colonisation) who are most likely to suffer the worst effects of global warming. These divisions are overlaid by entrenched disparities based upon class division, gender differences and inequalities based upon ‘race’ (a social rather than biological construction) and ethnicity.

The overarching structural basis for unequal power relations worldwide is global capitalism, a system that is intrinsically based upon exploitation of humans (as workers and consumers) and non-human animals and environmental entities (rivers, trees and mountains). Plundering the planet is ingrained in the political economy of late capitalism. Along with the human victims, there is also destruction of ecosystems, places, and flora and fauna. The core elements of life itself are under attack.

This chapter considers the notion of victimhood as this pertains to climate change. Consideration is given to both human and non-human environmental victims. Special attention is paid to the vulnerability of children and how this fits with notions of intergenerational equity. The particular circumstances and plight of Indigenous peoples globally are also critically examined.

Not all victims or forms of victimisation are considered. Rather, the intent is to broach important areas for investigation by Climate Change Criminology, without implying that specific and additional analysis of phenomena such as gender and victimisation, victimisation related to disability, and other forms of victimisation do not likewise deserve concentrated attention.

Human and non-human environmental victims

Green or environmental victimology refers to the study of the social processes and institutional responses pertaining to victims of environment crime (White, 2015a). Typically, it is humans who are the primary focus of such study (Hall, 2013). Recent criminological commentary, however, has placed attention on non-human animals as ‘victims’ (Flynn and Hall, 2017) as well as other non-human environmental entities (White, 2018).

For Climate Change Criminology, environmental victimisation is not a solely human or non-human animal experience but incorporates these other considerations as well. Rivers, mountains, animals and plants, and specific ecosystems, for instance, can all be considered ‘victims’ in particular circumstances (Preston, 2011; Cullinan, 2003).