Polly Higgins, lawyer who fought for recognition of 'ecocide', dies aged 50

Campaigner and barrister attempted to create a law to criminalise ecological damage

Polly Higgins, one of the most inspiring figures in the green movement, has died aged 50.

Higgins, a British barrister, led a decade-long campaign for "ecocide" to be recognised as a crime against humanity. She sold her house and gave up a high-paying job so she could dedicate herself to attempting to create a law that would make corporate executives and government ministers criminally liable for the damage they do to ecosystems.