Ecocide (noun)

The destruction of large areas of the natural environment, especially by human activities.

Origin:

The word "ecocide" comes from the combining of the greek word "oikos" meaning "house" or "home" and the latin word "cide" meaning "to kill".

Examples:

1. The logging industry's clear-cutting of the rainforest is a form of ecocide.
2. The oil spill has caused ecocide in the local marine ecosystem.
3. The bombing of Dresden during World War II was an act of ecocide, as it destroyed much of the city's natural environment.
4. The use of pesticides is a form of ecocide that kills many beneficial insects.
5. The ecocide caused by industrial pollution is a major contributor to climate change.