The Rights of Nature

Robert McParland

From Robert McParland's review of 'The Rights of Nature' by Roderick Frazier Nash (University of Wisconsin Press, $ 27-50). The review appeared in Breakthrough magazine (published by Global Education Associates, Suite 456, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115, USA, tel 212 870 3290. $7 or $27 membership).

'When Thomas Jefferson wrote that all men are created equal, he was not thinking of women or racial minorities, nor the idea of extending ethical treatment to animals, plants and rivers'

As environmentalism evolves as a social movement, the idea of liberating nature from human persecution emerges more frequently and forcefully. When Thomas Jefferson wrote that all men are created equal, he and his colleagues (and his country) apparently were not thinking of women or racial minorities, nor the idea of extending ethical treatment to animals, plants and rivers. But today, US Federal law provides legal protection for endangered species and habitats.

Today, the field is prepared for 'mass participation in ethically impelled environmentalism.' The Rights of Nature now concern lawmakers, theologians, scientists, and the many individuals who seek to secure the inviolable worth of the natural world for future generations. Nash believes that serious confrontations could arise between advocates of the Rights of Nature and those now profiting from nature's exploitation.

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