The emergence of enlightened anthropocentrism in ecological resoration

J. Keulartz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

42 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Over the past decade a shift can be noticed from ecological restoration to ecological design, where ecological design stands for a technocratic approach that courts hubris and mastery rather than humility and self-restraint. Following Eric Higgs, this shift can be seen as a “hyperactive and heedless response“ to global environmental change, especially climate change. The new technocratic approach may be best characterized as enlightened (or prudential) anthropocentrism, where nature is only allowed that degree of agency which is required to deliver the services that are essential for human well-being. It is not only questionable if we have the scientific and technical abilities to purposeful design ecosystems that will serve our needs, but also if the new approach will be sufficient to protect biodiversity in the long run.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)48-71
JournalNature and Culture
Volume7
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Keywords

  • ecosystem services
  • changing environment
  • crowded planet
  • biodiversity
  • conservation
  • management
  • sustainability
  • millennium
  • invasions
  • paradigm

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