Book Review: Advanced Introduction to Applied Green Criminology by Rob White

The current state of the environment across the world is extremely concerning. While green criminology to date has mostly devoted its energies to bringing light to and theorizing the numerous ways in which, human action destroys the environment and how it impacts humans, nonhuman species, and ecosystems worldwide, ¹ Rob White's Advanced Introduction to Applied Green Criminology takes this a stage further by applying the theory into practice. As explained by the author, “It is not the culmination of received knowledge – rather, it is an essential next step in forging new and stronger ways to make a difference” (p. vii). In order to put forward this practical application of green criminology, the book is not only addressed to academics but also to practitioners and activists with the aim to bring them together to build bridges outside academia in green criminology.

Advanced Introduction to Applied Green Criminology is an accessible, well-written, and thought-provoking masterpiece. The author's broad and long-standing expertise in the field is evident throughout the book, ² as it adopts a holistic and comprehensive view to analyze the practical dimensions of the “fight” against environmental crimes. To this end, from its prevention to its prosecution and sanctioning, the book successfully explores how to take into practice what has been developed theoretically over the years in green criminology. Commencing with an introduction to green criminology, the book situates the reader in the theoretical frame within which the rest of the book emerges. Accordingly, White starts by introducing definitional aspects of environmental crimes and harms, environmental laws and regulations, and eco-justice, which become the focal points for the rest of the book. Moreover, it introduces the term “pracademic,” constructed from the words “practitioner” and “academic,” to refer to whom the advanced introduction is addressed.

Following this opening to introduce the readers to green criminology, the first chapter helpfully presents the key approaches within this specific criminological perspective. So, in Chapter 1, there is a concise description of the nature and dynamics of environmental crimes and harms, which discusses aspects of ecojustice and the conceptualization of victims. In addition, it presents the method of environmental horizon scanning, and discusses different frameworks of intervention. Taken together, the introduction to green criminology and the first chapter serve to make the content of the remainder of the book accessible to its readers; achieving its goal of being suitable for academics, practitioners, and activists alike.

One by one, the subsequent chapters unpack the aspects that can provide insight and guidance into how environmental harms can be identified, prevented, interrupted, and deterred. As a result, through the combination of introducing the theoretical background and offering examples of current developments in the practical efforts toward prevention and deterrence of global environmental crimes, the book touches upon many aspects. First, it delves into environmental crime prevention, environmental regulation, and law enforcement. Then, the author assesses the deployment of environmental forensic studies. From there, White discusses environmental crime in the law and criminal justice institutions, adopting an ecocentric perspective. In the final chapter of the book, the author alludes specifically to the need for social activism and environmental social movements as a practical way to respond to environmental problems. ³ Throughout this final chapter, White emphasizes the key role of environmental activists submitting that they have the power to apply pressure “from the outside” in order to generate necessary legislative reform.

As a consequence of the wide range of perspectives covered, and as noted by the author throughout the book, some aspects have been mentioned as an acknowledgment rather than as a detailed discussion. Due to the complex and multifaceted nature of the topics covered within the book, as each chapter unfolds, the reader is prompted to look for more—to explore the subjects more fully. This desire is a testament to the ability of the author to engage the audience with this topic. However, it is important to recognize that the depth and complexity of many of the issues covered make it challenging to analyze them comprehensively within a single chapter. As such, readers must be willing to identify their areas of interest and seek out additional resources or immerse themselves in the inspired and extensive references to deepen their understanding of the subject matter. Ultimately, this is, after all a text with the aim of providing an introduction to the area.

I believe that Advanced Introduction to Applied Green Criminology is a necessary next step in the appreciation of green criminology, and the application of other social sciences to the pressing issues facing the global environment. This book signals the need to integrate the theory and the practice of environmental protection. It is concise in sharing specific expertise developed over many years of research to assist a participatory approach between individuals and wider society. That participatory approach being manifested in a mutually reinforcing relationship where both parties build bridges and find ways where collaboration is mutually beneficial to the overall improvement of the environment. Overall, the book is of key importance for all individuals interested in appreciating more fully and thus advancing the practice of green criminology. This is not only for the concise and effective assessment of environmental crimes and harms, but also for shedding light on the urgency of seeking a practical application of academic deliberation. To this end, White does not fill a gap in knowledge itself, in this book but, rather, addresses the gap between theory and practice and calls for action for the sake of the environment from an eco-justice perspective. In this vein, the book goes beyond the theoretical lens of academia to seek and build on effective responses to prevent, stop, and deter environmental crimes and harms. It would be of significant value to its target audience and offers many practical insights.