Commodification of Nature

Commodification of Nature refers to treating natural resources—like water, forests, and wildlife—as goods to be bought, sold, and traded in markets. This process turns elements of the environment into commodities, often for profit, which can lead to overexploitation and environmental harm. While market mechanisms can promote efficient use, commodification raises ethical and ecological concerns, as it may prioritize economic gain over the preservation of ecosystems and the well-being of future generations. Essentially, it involves assigning economic value to natural elements that were previously considered intangible or invaluable.