"The Earth Charter" [2019] ELECD 2194; in Burdon, Peter; Bosselmann, Klaus; Engel, Kirsten (eds), "The Crisis in Global Ethics and the Future of Global Governance" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2019) 284

Book Title: The Crisis in Global Ethics and the Future of Global Governance

Editor(s): Burdon, Peter; Bosselmann, Klaus; Engel, Kirsten

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Section Title: The Earth Charter

Number of pages: 9

Extract:

The Earth Charter

PREAMBLE

We stand at a critical moment in Earth's history, a time when humanity must
choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and
fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move forward
we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and
life forms we are one human family and one Earth community with a common
destiny. We must join together to bring forth a sustainable global society
founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and
a culture of peace. Towards this end, it is imperative that we, the peoples of
Earth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the greater community of
life, and to future generations.

Earth, Our Home

Humanity is part of a vast evolving universe. Earth, our home, is alive with
a unique community of life. The forces of nature make existence a demanding
and uncertain adventure, but Earth has provided the conditions essential to
life's evolution. The resilience of the community of life and the well-being
of humanity depend upon preserving a healthy biosphere with all its ecolog-
ical systems, a rich variety of plants and animals, fertile soils, pure waters,
and clean air. The global environment with its finite resources is a common
concern of all peoples. The protection of Earth's vitality, diversity, and beauty
is a sacred trust.

The Global Situation

The dominant patterns of production and consumption are causing environ-
mental ...