Environmental destruction is often framed as harm, oversight, or bad practice. But what if we started calling it what it really is. Crime.
In this season finale of the Earth Set podcast, we are joined by Dr Julia Shaw, criminal psychologist, author, podcast host, and presenter, for a conversation that reframes how we think about crimes against the planet.
Julia is the author of Green Crime, a global investigation into the psychology behind environmental crime. Drawing on cases from around the world, she explains why these crimes keep happening, who commits them, and why society consistently underestimates their severity.
From corporate scandals like Dieselgate to illegal mining, poaching, and organised crime at sea, Julia shows how environmental crime is systemic, enabled by weak enforcement, social norms, and very human behaviour.
In this episode you’ll learn:
Why environmental crimes are treated as lesser crimes, and why that matters
The six psychological drivers behind environmental crime
How corporate and organised environmental crimes really operate
Why enforcement and regulation are critical to accountability
How psychology can help change behaviour, not just policy
This episode marks the end of Season 1 of Earth Set. Thank you to everyone who has listened, shared, and joined us so far. Season 2 and more live events are coming in the new year.
📚 Resources & Links
Green Crime by Julia Shaw
🎟️ Join Earth Set Live
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