The Current Scenario of Green Crime and Environmental Legislation

Objective: This research aims to critically evaluate the current state of knowledge on green criminology and environmental laws, identifying the conceptual, normative and institutional limitations associated with the complexity of crimes against nature. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on Green Criminology, which broadens the definition of crime to include environmental damage that is not legally classified as such. It adopts an ecocentric approach, criticizing the traditional legalistic model and penal selectivity. It integrates issues such as ecological justice, colonialism, capitalism and organized crime. Method: The method used in this study is an Integrated Literature Review, which involved formulating a guiding question, selecting scientific articles published between 2020 and 2025 in databases such as the CAPES Journals Portal and the Web of Science, and evaluating the results. The publications were systematically evaluated based on a combination of keywords, and the results were organized into theoretical perspectives that could be used to tackle environmental crimes. Results and Discussion: The investigation revealed structural errors in environmental legislation, such as the disproportionate nature of penalties, the lack of up-to-date definitions and the ineffectiveness in holding economic actors to account. Green Criminology has emerged as a theoretical and practical framework for the study of crime that replaces the legalistic model, combining ecological justice with criticism of the state and capitalism. The ideas have been organized around proposals that include legislative changes, integrated governance and institutional strengthening. Research Implications: The research promotes Green Criminology as a critical and environmentally-oriented paradigm, expanding the definition of crime beyond legal boundaries. In practice, it advocates legislative changes, institutional integration and evidence-based public policies to deal with complex environmental crimes. It also highlights the need for technical training and ecological justice as means for effective environmental management. Originality/Value: The study's conclusions highlight the need to reform environmental laws and government policies in relation to environmental crimes. The research reinforces the value of Green Criminology as a crucial tool in interpreting ecological damage and creating more effective public strategies. It also highlights the need to integrate environmental justice, anti-cancer initiatives and institutional reform.