Final answer:
A 'technocentric' approach to sustainable development emphasizes technology and human ingenuity as solutions to environmental issues, whereas an 'ecocentric' approach stresses the importance of ecosystems and living in harmony with nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Willis, when we talk about 'technocentric' approaches to sustainable development, we are referring to perspectives and practices that focus on using technology as the primary means of solving environmental problems and achieving sustainable living. In contrast, 'ecocentric' approaches prioritize the importance of ecosystems and the natural environment, typically emphasizing balance, conservation, and living in harmony with nature over technological solutions. The technocentric viewpoint values innovation and believes in the capacity of human ingenuity to overcome ecological challenges, while the ecocentric perspective warns that technology alone is insufficient to ensure ecological balance and often stresses the intrinsic value of nature.
These concepts differ significantly from each other, as technocentric approaches are more likely to advocate for the development of green technology and regulatory intervention to improve production processes and economic growth without further damaging the environment. Ecocentric approaches, on the other hand, might be more aligned with the views of indigenous peoples and seem resonant with the ideas of deep ecology, which often critiques the anthropocentric view that humans are separate from and superior to nature and emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life.