Environmentalism from the West comes from a position of superiority, claims of universalism and stems from egocentrism. The reason to preserve the environment is because “resources” are running out and is needed for future exploitation, to satisfy the ego’s carnal pleasures.

It is also a convenient stick to beat the developing world and to prevent their industrialization, in order to maintain the hegemony of the West. It provides a good moral façade while keeping their hegemony.

Dharmic environmentalism, including “worshipping” trees, cows, rats and whatnot comes from a position that the planet, the cosmos is conscious. Its purpose is not force exploitation by man and that man is just another animal sharing space with all other animals.

This is why Indians don’t mind stray cattle and even stray monkeys, and lizards, insects, etc because we all share the same space. This space is not exclusively man’s.
We take from nature, and hence “worship” the various beings to prevent the ego-self from dominating.