The need for ecological ethics in a new ecological economics

Abstract

Neoclassical economics has been dominated by anthropocentrism. We argue that much of ecological economics (EE) is now also dominated by this. EE should now break-free from anthropocentrism, including the commodification of nature. We suggest a ‘new’ ecological economics which foregrounds an ecocentric worldview, ecological ethics and ecojustice. These can assist society to reach a truly sustainable future where it accepts nature’s intrinsic value and extends respect to the nonhuman world. Models associated with EE are considered in terms of their approach to ecological limits and equity, as well as ethics. The paper concludes the only EE model that comes close to foregrounding ecological ethics is the steady state economy. Most of the others explicitly (or implicitly) retain an anthropocentric bias. Four approaches to ‘moving forward’ are suggested: achieving ecocentrism; advocating Earth jurisprudence; supporting ecojustice; and dealing ethically with the commodification of nature. We argue that a rejuvenated EE should de-commodify nature. Hence we should consider ‘People’s Contributions to Nature’, rather than just ‘Nature’s Contributions to People’. For both practical and ethical reasons, the paper concludes that EE needs to reevaluate its worldview and ethics. A possible research agenda is suggested that could help integrate ecological ethics with ecological economics.