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A philosophy or policy is ecocentric if it places value and importance on the entire environment and all life in it, not just the parts that are useful to humans. More broadly, ecocentric means “focused on the environment.”

In the context of environmental ethics, an ecocentric view is one that holds that Earth’s ecology and ecosystems (including its atmosphere, water, land, and all life forms) have intrinsic value—meaning they should be protected and valued even if they can’t be used by humans as resources.

Example: Truly ecocentric policies will allow threatened ecosystems to remain undeveloped and even unused for recreational purposes.

Ecocentric is composed of the prefix eco-, referring generally to the environment and nature, and -centric, meaning “focused around.” Its first uses are recorded around the 1970s.

Ecologist Aldo Leopold was a major figure in the development of early ecocentric thought in the 1940s. Even today, ecocentric philosophy draws inspiration from his work, which promoted environmental management and a focus on the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Ecocentrism was further popularized in the 1990s and continues to be a topic of discussion along with the rise of “green” (environmentally friendly) politics.

Ecocentrism and environmentalism are not necessarily synonymous—some forms of environmentalism may be considered ecocentric, while others may be more focused on preserving the environment specifically for human use. In this way, ecocentric thought is often seen as a contrast to anthropocentric (human-centered) philosophies.

What are some other forms of ecocentric?

• ecocentrism
• ecocentrist

What are some words that share a root or word element with ecocentric?

• ecology
• egocentric
• ecosystem
• ecosphere

What are some words that often get used in discussing ecocentric?

• ecology
• philosophy
• politics
• deep ecology
• sustainability

What are some words ecocentric may be commonly confused with?

• biocentric
• egocentric

Discussion of ecocentric thought often surrounds the topics of sustainability and environmentalism, especially as they relate to climate change.

Who is actually tryna make a mass radical ecocentric movement within the anti-colonial left… and who is just *saying* it needs to happen? Are you tryna sharpen ur earthly knowledge and ecologize ur abolitionism?

— w. e. b DAT NOIZE (@RantzFanon)

I've been thinking a lot lately about ecocentric schools of political thought. Hearing old guard Greens placing environmental preservation above social justice. I wonder why we care about the environment if not bc people exist within it??

— B (@barbarikkizzle)

David Suzuki today at the UofT:

Indigenous traditions are the best, most effective, and most just way to move from our destructive anthropocentrism driving the climate emergency to sustainable and ecocentric ways of living that promote human well-being

— Tyler Bateman (@tylerbateman)

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Which of the following is NOT an example of an ecocentric policy?

A. Investing in ecosystem management of threatened lands
B. Developing land for fossil fuel production
C. Passing legislation to protect endangered species
D. Preserving lands in their wild state