Looking out the window, awaiting the verdict on an injustice done to her client, barrister Polly Higgins mused that the Earth itself also needs a lawyer. Laws against ecocide, 'the fifth crime against peace', deserve a place in international law, in those umbrella laws that protect 'the sacredness of life itself'.

Polly began her career as a lawyer in London where she was a barrister specialising in corporate and employment law. Her training began firstly in the criminal courts and subsequently expanded into a civil law practise. It was only after she asked herself 'How do we create a legal duty of care for the Earth?' that Polly turned her attentions full-time to examine what law is required. Forsaking her successful court work in order to defend one client, the Earth, Polly began the process of examining existing law to determine how to best advance a legal precept to protect the Earth.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx/