Abstract

This paper argues that the strict anthropocentric ethic that underlies most environmental protection laws is counterproductive for environmental preservation which the principle of Sustainable Development portends. It further argues that this ethic is a product of ideas such as the "conqueror" ethos imbibed from the Judeo-Christian religion; thus a change from such an ethic can only be the consequence of a change in such an existing idea (value) to one that is in favour of "respect" for nature thereby fostering environmental preservation.