The impact of climate change and sustainability initiatives on forensic practice

Abstract

The climate change crisis affects all aspects of our lives, and this includes national and global scientific endeavours. The forensic sciences are no different but are yet to engage meaningfully with this agenda or to consider what it means for future practice. This paper explores and discusses a range of impacts on forensic and crime scene practice derived from climate change and proposes the potential implications. The paper concludes by laying out a way forward and a programme of activity to support the forensic sciences to manage the implications of climate change and related sustainability initiatives on the criminal and medico-legal investigative community.