Although there is currently a considerable amount of research on the impact of climate change on environmental and economic systems, there has been less of an emphasis on social systems such as criminal justice. Addressing the social consequences of climate change is central to successful adaptation, and one of the many effects of climate change is transformation in the nature and dynamics of criminality. New ways of thinking about, categorizing and responding to environment-related crimes have to be developed if we are to adequately address present and future issues.