Green crime is a growing international problem that can have long-term effects on the environment, wildlife and future generations. This has led UK policy-makers to express substantial support for tackling green crime.
Criminologists are increasingly interested in ‘green criminology’, but current academic discussions centre on global environmental harms. There is limited research that explores empirically the level and nature of high volume, routine offences like waste crime, particularly in Wales.
My research will investigate waste crime as an exemplar of high volume, routine green crimes and will use existing theory of crime scripts to explain the organisation of waste crime and the intended and unintended consequences of enforcement and regulatory approaches.
My aim is to ensure that my research adds a new dimension to green criminology and has significant relevance beyond academia. As an environmental professional for 12 years, combined with the support expressed by policy makers and practitioners in Wales and the UK, I’m passionate about making sure my work research influences future policy and regulatory responses.