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What is the difference between a secular and religious approach to environmental ethics?
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The main difference between a secular and religious approach to environmental ethics is that secular ethics views the environment as an entity to be cared for, nurtured and valued in itself and thus should be viewed as an end in itself. Religious ethics on the other hand treats the environment as an intrinsic part of a larger, divinely-ordered creation, and thus looks upon nature as a means to an end. Religious approaches typically emphasize obedient stewardship of the environment entrusted to us by God, and generally acknowledge religious injunctions to prioritize human needs over those of other species. Secular ethics on the other hand, look to scientific evidence and ethical considerations to determine our moral obligations regarding the environment.