The Ecocide Prevention Bill, proposed by Monica Lennon, has enough cross-party support to be introduced. Ecocide is the mass destruction of ecosystems and includes oil spills, ocean and air pollution and mass deforestation.

Campaigners argued that the crime should fall within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court which at present is able only to prosecute genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression.

Ms Lennon said the bill would target executives of companies rather than those below them.

“It’s not looking to come after workers or middle managers – hopefully there can be some accountability,” she said.

A Scottish government spokeswoman said: “We will consider all legislative proposals brought forward by members of the Scottish Parliament carefully.”

Belgium became the first country in Europe to criminalise ecocide on a national and international level at the beginning of this year. The new law provides for imprisonment of up to 20 years for individuals guilty of ecocide, and fines of up to €1.6 million for corporations.

Under Belgium’s federal system, the scope of the law is limited to areas within the jurisdiction of the federal authority, including the North Sea and nuclear waste management.