ABSTRACT
There is a vexed and endless argument as to what precisely causes environmental degradation on a global scale. Some argue that the main culprit is population growth, others overconsumption by the rich, others still blame ill-advised transfers of technology, and yet others look to distortional pricing and ill-defined property rights leading to misuse of the commons and excessive consumption of privately owned resources. An extension of these rights into formal law would, they argue, force nations, corporations and individuals the world over to recognise such rights in all aspects of development. Critics counter that such formal legal arrangements would stifle creativity and initiative, and encourage legalistic bureaucratic arrangements. Others see a malaise of misapplied ethics corroding the soul into materialism and self-centred acquisition.
