The Earth Charter is a declaration of fundamental ethical principles for building a just, sustainable and peaceful global society in the 21st century. It seeks to inspire in all people a new sense of global interdependence and shared responsibility for the well-being of the whole human family, the greater community of life, and future generations. It is a vision of hope and a call to action.
The Earth Charter is centrally concerned with the transition to sustainable ways of living and sustainable human development. Ecological integrity is one major theme. However, the Earth Charter recognizes that the goals of ecological protection, the eradication of poverty, equitable economic development, respect for human rights, democracy, and peace are interdependent and indivisible. It provides, therefore, a new, inclusive, integrated ethical framework to guide the transition to a sustainable future.
Some of the points we discussed were as follows:
- The need to balance economic development with environmental protection and social justice
- The enlarged perception of home, and the recognition that we are a part of a large family of life, including not only other humans, but also other species.
- The awe and wonder arising from our increased understanding of the intricacy and complexity of life.
(Notes by John M)