Deep ecology is an environmental philosophy that believes all living things have value on their own, not just because they help humans. It suggests that human societies should change to respect this idea. Deep ecologists say that nature is made up of many interconnected relationships.
Environmental ethics is a well-known area of study in environmental philosophy. It examines the different ways people argue for protecting nature and using natural resources wisely. The main different viewpoints include anthropocentrism, physiocentrism (also called ecocentrism), and theocentrism.
Plant rights refer to the rights that some plants might have. These topics are often discussed along with human rights, animal rights, biocentrism, and sentientism.
The Law of the Rights of Mother Earth (Spanish: Ley de Derechos de la Madre Tierra) is a law in Bolivia (Law 071 of the Plurinational State). It was passed by Bolivia’s Plurinational Legislative Assembly in December 2010. This law has 10 articles and was based on the first part of a longer draft bill created by the Pact of Unity and shared in November 2010.
The Whanganui River is an important river in the North Island of New Zealand. It is the country’s third-longest river and holds special significance because of its importance to the local Māori people. In March 2017, it became the world’s second natural resource (after Te Urewera) to receive its own legal identity, including the rights, duties, and responsibilities of a legal person.
The rights of nature, also called Earth rights, is a legal idea that says ecosystems and species have natural rights, much like how humans have basic rights. This idea questions old laws from the 20th century, which often treated nature as a “resource” to be owned, used, and harmed. Supporters believe laws based on the rights of nature help people act in ways that match modern science, which shows humans and nature are deeply connected.
Environmental personhood is a legal idea that gives certain natural things, like rivers or plants, the same legal rights as people. This means these natural things can have protections, responsibilities, and the ability to be held accountable under the law. Since rivers and plants cannot speak for themselves in court, a “guardian” can act on their behalf to help protect them.
Ecocide is the destruction of the environment caused by humans. It harms all people who rely on natural resources to keep ecosystems healthy and ensure they can support future generations. A group of experts called the Independent Expert Panel for the Legal Definition of Ecocide describes it as “illegal or reckless actions done with knowledge that they could seriously harm the environment in a widespread or long-term way.” Common causes of ecocide include war, pollution, careless use of natural resources, and other industrial accidents.
Ecocide is the destruction of the environment caused by humans. This harm threatens all people who rely on natural resources to keep ecosystems healthy and support future generations. A group of experts called the Independent Expert Panel for the Legal Definition of Ecocide describes it as “illegal or reckless actions done with knowledge that they could cause serious and widespread or long-term harm to the environment.” Common causes of ecocide include war, pollution, overuse of natural resources, and industrial accidents.
Environmental crime is an illegal act that harms the environment directly. These activities affect the environment, wildlife, plant and animal life, and natural resources. International groups, such as the G7, Interpol, European Union, United Nations Environment Programme, and United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, have identified these types of environmental crimes: wildlife crime, illegal mining, pollution crimes, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and illegal logging.