Questioning the anthropocentric narrative in environmental advocacy: effectiveness vs. ethical principles

Abstract This article examines the tension between anthropocentric narratives and ethical principles in environmental advocacy. While framing environmental issues in terms of human benefit has proven effective in mobilizing public support and influencing policy, such an approach raises ethical concerns for its tendency to instrumentalize nature and disregard its intrinsic value. Drawing on environmental ethics, pragmatism, and discourse analysis, the article critically explores the use of anthropocentric narratives in contemporary environmental campaigns. Findings suggest that although these narratives can expand outreach and resonance, they risk reinforcing the very worldview that underpins ecological degradation. The article advocates for a reflective and pluralistic approach that integrates strategic effectiveness with a genuine moral commitment to the more-than-human world. In doing so, it calls for environmental advocacy that is not only persuasive but also ethically grounded and transformative