DOCSLIB.ORG

“EC+10 Celebrations Report”

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
“EC+10 Celebrations Report” “EC+10 Celebrations Report” Earth Charter International Secretariat 2011 This document presents the summary of the EC+10 celebrations held in 2010. It contains brief descriptions of all events, as well as an outline of the Communications Campaign created to promote the events and the Earth Charter. The report concludes with key recommendations for future activities. EC+10 Events All over the world, events both large and small were organized during 2010 to celebrate the Earth Charter’s 10th anniversary. Their purpose was to advance the Mission, Vision, and Goals of the Earth Charter Initiative. Specifically, the events focused on: raising awareness and promoting understanding of the Earth Charter; promoting dialogue, collaboration and action for a sustainable future; sharing experiences; and developing goals and objectives for the next decade. The theme and slogan for the celebrations were created in consultation with a number of individuals. Theme: Dialogue, Collaboration and Action for a Sustainable Future. Slogan: It starts with one! A communication campaign and materials were produced with this slogan. Information on this campaign, as well as the most notable gatherings and activities among the EC+10 efforts, are presented below. A collection of pictures from these events can be found in the Earth Charter+10 Picasa album. The following table summarizes the events organized in 2010; more details are presented below. APRIL Mexico: Launch of EC+10 year in Guanajuato with simultaneous local gatherings. 21-24 April. Brazil: EC+10 and Earth Day celebrations at UMAPAZ , Nigeria: Youth event in Abuja Sao Paulo Norway: Meeting of the Oslo Ethics and Leadership Belarus: EC+10 campaign in Minsk Group of Tekna Costa Rica: National University Italy: Conference in Fano, Urbino Ecuador: Museums Foundation in Quito Peru: Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Peruvian Kyrgyzstan: Kizilkiya Municipality headquarters, jointly with the National Major University of San Marcos and Earth Charter MAY Russia: EC+10 meeting at Presidential Center for Public Initiatives, Moscow. 6-8 May. Brazil: Seeds of Change exhibition at UMAPAZ, Sao Paulo. 20 May. United States: EC + 10 Dinner at Michael Murphy Gallery M, Florida. 26 May. JUNE Indonesia: EC+10 and Environment Day, Jakarta Convention Center. 5 June. The Netherlands: Major event EC+10 event at Peace Palace, The Hague. 28-29 June. SEPTEMBER Japan: ESD and EC+10 Conference, at Rikkyo (St. Paul) University. 10 September. Australia: The Australia-Pacific Earth Charter Festival in Brisbane. 16-20 September. Switzerland: Booth at Lifefair, Zurich. 24-26 September. OCTOBER Taiwan-China: Conference: Ancient Wisdom, Sustainable Futures, Taitung. 12-15 October. Spain: Open event with 3000 participants at Sports Palace, Madrid. 24 October. NOVEMBER India: Major event at CEE campus, Ahmedabad. 1-3 November. United States: Earth Charter +10 week at Florida Gulf Coast University. 1-5 November. Also, “Local Action for a Sustainable Future,” at the University of Pennsylvania. 7 November. Jordan: EC+10 for Middle East and North Africa region, Dead Sea. 23-24 November. APRIL ―We are also celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Earth Charter Initiative, which is a document Mexico and a call for action, which is more relevant today than ever.‖ The worldwide EC+10 celebrations began in Mexico, where the Ministry of Environment and At the same occasion, Mr. Martínez Soliman, UN Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and the Resident Coordinator for Mexico, stated: University of Guanajuato organized the opening celebratory event on 21 – 24 April. ―As Resident Coordinator for the United Nations in Mexico, it is my privilege to attend the celebration A number of Earth Charter representatives and of the International Day of Mother Earth, this year Mexican academic and social leaders were in particular, in the setting of the Earth Charter‘s present, including: Steven Rockefeller, Co-Chair tenth anniversary.‖ of the Earth Charter International Council; Council Members Rick Clugston and Brendan Mackey; ―We feel proud that the Government of Mexico has and Peter Corcoran, of the Florida Gulf Coast included the Charter‘s initiative in its sustainable University. Mr. Rockefeller delivered a keynote development agenda. This document, which is the address on the Earth Charter and Human Rights, result of one of the most extensive participatory while Mr. Mackey made a presentation on Ethics processes for drawing up an international and Climate Change. Several youth groups and declaration, embraces a true endeavor to create an leaders shared their experiences with the Earth accord among peoples aimed at promoting a new Charter. sense of well-being, development, and justice in the framework of urgent challenges caused by climate change and the growing strain on ecosystems and natural resources on which every human being depends.‖ On 22 April, the Mayor of the City of Guanajuato, a representative from the Governor of the State of Guanajuato and the Rector of the University of Guanajuato hosted a celebration of Earth Day, together with a celebration of the 10th On 21 April, the President of Mexico, Felipe anniversary of the launch of the Earth Charter, at Calderon celebrated Mother Earth’s International the City Hall in Guanajuato. Day in Veracruz and referred to the Earth Charter In similar events taking place simultaneously all in his speech several times, saying: throughout Mexico, over 26,000 people ―The International Day of Mother Earth was participated in local Earth Day and EC+10 established by the United Nations to remind all of celebrations. us around the world of our duty to care and respect our natural wealth. “EC+10 Celebrations Report” Brazil came with a tag containing instructions on how to plant it, along with the four main principles of In Sao Paulo, the Earth Day celebration (22 April) the Earth Charter. took place at UMAPAZ (Open University for the Environment and a Culture of Peace), with the In another Brazilian city, Recife, it was a day to presence of the City Secretary of Green and act and breath slowly in solidarity with the bio- Environment, Eduardo Jorge, the Mayor energy, seeking to harmonize forces and Gilberto Kassab, and Cristina Moreno, stimulate the recycling of daily attitudes. representative for the Earth Charter Initiative. Children from the AMECON-CEJOLI NGO in the Americanópolis district in São Paulo participated in several of the activities, including the planting of trees at the Ibirapuera Park, as well as listening to stories from the writer Fábio Lisboa. The hoisting of the following flags was carried out at the entrance of UMAPAZ: from the Municipality of São Paulo, by the Deputy mayor Thanks to EcoCELPE there was a handcraft of Villa Mariana, Manoel Antonio da Silva workshop, with materials based on the 3R Araújo; the Brazilian flag, by the Secretary of (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) philosophy. It was a day Environment, Eduardo Jorge; and the Earth flag to put in practice the concept of solidarity, as well by the Mayor Gilberto Kassab, with the presence as time for reflection and mobilization towards of the students of the third group of the Earth the preservation of the planet. Charter in Action. In Florianópolis, Harmonia na Terra Institute, in The event was attended by local educators and collaboration with an association called Lar social leaders. They took a moment to walk Recanto do Carinho, proposed a mural painting, without shoes and feel the soil that keeps them involving youth, based on the Earth Charter safe, rooted and connected to each other principles, with the activity coordinated by through the web of life. Samuel Casal, a famous artist that works in close alliance with the institute. Costa Rica By working together on this effort, the partners aspired to give joy to and increase the self- In Costa Rica, the Earth Charter 10th Anniversary esteem of HIV/AIDS affected people. In addition, celebration was also held onEarth Day (22 April). 150 native trees from Mata Atlântica were It was organized by the National University of distributed within the community. Each tree Costa Rica (UNA), a longtime supporter of the Page 4 “EC+10 Celebrations Report” Earth Charter Initiative. The Rector of UNA at the no one ever recognizes those who serve the time, Mr. Olman Segura, and other authorities others‖. from the University participated in this event. Thirteen students from UNA's campuses around One of the highlights was the official launch of the country were chosen to receive the 2010 EC UNA’s Earth Charter Network, involving Student Award. The awards were granted at the professors and staff already using the EC. So far, closing of the event. The students were very 22 professors, administrative staff, and students moved, expressing their great joy in being have joined this network. The goal is to further publicly recognized for their efforts. expand the UNA Earth Charter Network as rapidly as possible. Italy The Faculty of Education presented two projects created with the Earth Charter: educational Also in April, an event titled "Earth Charter and material that helps secondary school teachers to Biodiversity: Between Ethics, Religion and incorporate the Earth Charter in different Science" was organized by EC Affiliate subjects; and a university study programme for Federazione Nazionale Pro Natura, along with science teachers who have not yet completed presenters from several Italian universities. It was their specializations. funded by the Marche Region, the Province of Pesaro and Urbino, and the Municipality of Fano, together with the "Casa Archelei" Environmental Education Center, the "G Torelli" Scientific Secondary School from Fano, and the "G.Vico" Social-Physical-Pedagogical Secondary School from Sulmona. Kyrgyzstan This year, the Earth Charter Affiliate in Kyrgyzstan The Costa Rican EC+10 celebrations were also the - the Sunny Country Social Fund - held their official launching point for the Earth Charter first Earth Charter event on 22 April in Kizilkiya, a Student Award.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • First International Forum for the Rights of Mother Earth
    First International Forum for the Rights of Mother Earth Celebrating World Environment Day Mexico City | June 1-5 2016 First International Forum for the Rights of Mother Earth 2 Movement: horizon, path, and destiny Horizon It is time to globalize legislation for the Rights of Mother Earth and establish a Universal Declaration of the Rights of Nature, to recog- nize her as a living being- the biggest of all-, to protect her, restore her, and link her to humanity by way of respect and preservation of all her species. Only this action can stop the irrational exploitation and the utilita- rian view that today drives the relationship between mankind and Nature. Therefore, this declaration is the first step to ensure the future of the innumerable forms of existence, including the human species, on our planet. Path Mexico has gained significant legal steps to shift from an anthro- pocentric to a biocentric view, such as the Law of Protection of the Earth in Mexico City and the constitutional recognition of the rights of Nature in the state of Guerrero. These legislative advancements First International Forum for the Rights of Mother Earth 3 motivate various national and international organizations and so- cial networks to convene the First International Forum for the Ri- ghts of Mother Earth on June 1st through 5th, 2016 in Mexico City, surrounding World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5th. Destiny The First International Forum for the Rights of Mother Earth brings legislators, scientists, philosophers, ecologists, artists, keepers of ancient traditions, and social and spiritual leaders together to de- fine actions that ignite social awareness —extensive, diverse, and in solidarity— centered around the importance of legislating the Rights of Mother Earth.
    [Show full text]
  • What Are the Sustainable Development Goals?
    MODULE 1: What are the Sustainable Development Goals? Youth Workers 4 Global Goals CAPACITY BUILDING IN THE FIELD OF YOUTH This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Module 1: What are the Sustainable Development Goals? Introduction ................................................................................................................ 2 I. What is Sustainable Development?.……………….…………….……………….....………………….3 Sustainability ............................................................................................................... 3 Development……………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..6 Sustainable development . ........................................................................................... 8 II. What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? ......................................... 13 The Millennium Development Goals .......................................................................... 13 The Sustainable Development Goals ......................................................................... 15 1 INTRODUCTION In September 2015, the leaders of all 193 member states of the UN adopted Agenda 2030, a universal agenda that contains the Global Goals for Sustainable Development. The 17 Goals in turn hold 169 targets and 230 indicators. The Global Goals is the most ambitious agreement for sustainable development
    [Show full text]
  • The Policy Relevance of the Earth Charter for Europe
    E A R T H C H A R T E R I N T E R N A T I O N A L The Policy Relevance of the Earth Charter for Europe A Paper Prepared for the Maastricht Forum on the Future of Europe 9-11 May 2007, Maastricht University The Netherlands by Johannah Bernstein Earth Charter International Center for Strategy and Communication Stockholm, Sweden NOTE: This paper reflects the views of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Earth Charter International. The development and publication of this paper were supported by NCDO (the Netherlands Committee for Sustainable Development and International Cooperation) and Socires. a Dutch policy institute. 1 The Policy Relevance of the Earth Charter for Europe By Johannah Bernstein 1 Introduction ________________________________________________________________________ The first decade of the 21st century marks a period of profound and rapid transformation for European integration as Europe grows quickly in number and scope. These factors are enormous challenges for Europe as it strives to realise its potential beyond economic cooperation (Baykal 2004). At the same time, as other chapters in this book assert, Europe’s political role and impact on the global stage is in need of revitalization. There can be no doubt that the globalized and complex world against which Europe defines itself does not require a new hegemon. Instead, what is needed is a Union that is grounded in an ethos of multilateral cooperation and collaboration and which asserts a strong global partnership role to ensure that the benefits of globalization are spread fairly around the world.
    [Show full text]
  • Study Guide for the Rights of Nature Proposal Prepared by Rev
    Study Guide for The Rights of Nature Proposal Prepared by Rev. Dr. Bob Shore-Goss [email protected] "We are talking only to ourselves. We are not talking to the rivers, we are not listening to the wind and stars. We have broken the great conversation. By breaking that conversation we have shattered the universe. All the disasters that are happening now are a consequence of that spiritual 'autism.'" ~ Thomas Berry Summary: Pope Francis claims, “A true ‘right of the environment’ does exist.” There has been an international movement for the Rights of Nature in the last several decades. For the proposal before you, this serves as a brief study guide of the background. The proposal attempts to link the UCC with this movement that includes environmentalists, environmental Christian ethicists, indigenous peoples worldwide, international organizations that produced the Earth Charter, the Charter of Compassion, and the Parliament of World Religions. No Christian denomination (no world religion, outside indigenous spiritualities) have adopted a statement of faith and prophetic witness that explicitly claims Rights for Nature. There have lists of such rights by Stillheart Declaration and individual Christian ethicists. That is the last section of this study guide. Individual Christian liberation theologians such as the Brazilian Leonardo Boff, Sallie McFague, Thomas Berry, and others have recognize our human responsibility to notion of distributive justice (a fair share of Earth resources and goods for humanity, the more than human life, and bio-regions, and the Earth herself) to nature, living in a wholesome environment, eating well, enjoying a living space, sharing equitably and co-living with Nature, and ultimately respecting the intimate connection of human and the Earth community of life.
    [Show full text]
  • FOOD, FARMING and the EARTH CHARTER by Dieter T. Hessel in A
    FOOD, FARMING AND THE EARTH CHARTER By Dieter T. Hessel In a rapidly warming world with drastically changing climate, chronic social turmoil, and growing populations at risk from obesity and hunger, it is crucially important to evaluate the quality and quantity of what people are eating or can’t, as well as how and where their food is produced. At stake in this evaluation is the well-being of humans, animals, and eco-systems, or the near future of earth community! Food production and consumption are basic aspects of every society’s way of life, and sustainable living is the ethical focus of the Earth Charter, a global ethic for persons, institutions and governments issued in 2000.1 The Preamble to the Earth Charter’s Preamble warns us that “The dominant patterns of production and consumption are causing environmental devastation, the depletion of resources, and a massive extinction of species. Communities are being undermined. The benefits of development are not shared equitably and the gap between rich and poor is widening,” a reality that is now quite evident in the food and farming sector. Therefore, this brief essay begins to explore what the vision and values articulated in the Charter’s preamble and 16 ethical principles offer as moral guidance for humane and sustainable food systems. The prevailing forms of agriculture are increasingly understood to be problematic. Corporations and governments of the rich, “developed” societies have generated a globalized food system dominated by industrial agriculture or factory farming that exploits land, animals, farmers, workers consumers, and poor communities while it bestows handsome profits on shippers, processors, packagers, and suppliers of “inputs” such as machinery, fuel, pesticides, seeds, feed.
    [Show full text]
  • The Earth Charter
    THE www.EarthCharter.org EArtH CHArter A declaration of fundamental principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society in the 21st century Preamble I. Respect and Care for the Community of Life II. Ecological Integrity III. Social and Economic Justice IV. Democracy, Nonviolence, and Peace The Way Forward EARTH CHARTER INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL 1 The Earth Charter Council Co-Chairs Steven Rockefeller (United States) is a declaration of fundamental principles for building a just, Razeena Wagiet (South Africa) sustainable, and peaceful global society in the 21st century. Erna Witoelar (Indonesia) It seeks to inspire in all peoples a new sense of global interdependence and shared responsibility for the wellbeing of the human family and the larger Council Members Zainab Bangura (Sierra Leone) living world. It is an expression of hope and a call to help create a global Mateo Castillo (Mexico) partnership at a critical juncture in history. Rick Clugston (USA) Marianella Curi (Bolivia) Camila Argolo Godinho^ (Brazil) The Earth Charter’s inclusive ethical vision recognizes that environmental Wakako Hironaka (Japan) protection, human rights, equitable human development, and peace are Li Lailai (Peoples Republic of China) interdependent and indivisible. It provides a framework for thinking about, Song Li (People’s Republic of China / USA) talking about, and taking action on these issues. The Charter offers a fresh, Alexander Likhotal+, (Russia / Switzerland) Ruud Lubbers (Netherlands) broad conception of what constitutes sustainable living and sustainable Brendan Mackey (Australia) development. Julia Marton-Lefèvre (Hungary / Costa Rica) Elizabeth May (Canada) Oscar Motomura (Brazil) Shared Global Values … for Our Common Future Dumisani Nyoni^ (Zimbabwe) Henriette Rasmussen (Greenland) At a time when major changes in how we think and live are urgently needed, Mohamed Sahnoun (Algeria) the Earth Charter challenges us to examine our values and to choose a better Kartikeya Sarabhai (India) way.
    [Show full text]
  • Full Text.Pdf (141.2Kb)
    Peter Blaze Corcoran, USA. Introduction Making the World One Peter Blaze Corcoran is Professor of Environ- t has been a generation since the World Commission on Envi- mental Studies and Environmental Education at I ronment and Development famously introduced the concept Florida Gulf Coast University, where he serves as of an integration of environment and development that is sus- Director of the Center for Environmental and tainable, “to ensure that it meets the needs of the present with- Sustainability Education. He has held academic out compromising the ability of future generations to meet their posts at College of the Atlantic, Swarthmore own needs.”1 This concept, both brilliant and problematic, has College, and Bates College in the States. He has framed a great debate of the turn of the millennium. How, and if, also been a visiting professor in Australia and The Netherlands. He we will find a path to sustainability has become the most impor- works extensively in international environmental education with tant narrative of our time. special interest in the South Pacific Island Nations. He is among the founders of the Global Higher Education for Sustainability Partnership What kind of world we will leave for the young, and what values and has recently conducted their consultations with stakeholders in will we transfer to them have become epic questions. The tragic tertiary education in many regions of the world. He is Past President of truth pointed out by the Brundtland Commission is well-known North American Association for Environmental Education. He serves but often ignored. as Senior Fellow in Education for Sustainability at University Leaders for a Sustainable Future in Washington, DC, and is Senior Advisor to We borrow environmental capital from future generations the Earth Charter Initiative in San Jose, Costa Rica.
    [Show full text]
  • Beyond the Earth Charter: Taking Possible People Seriously
    Winter 2007 359 Beyond the Earth Charter: Taking Possible People Seriously Robin Attfield* The Earth Charter is largely a wholesome embodiment of a commendable and globally applicable ecological ethic. But it fails to treat responsibilities toward future generations with sufficient clarity, presenting these generations as com- parable to present and past generations, whose members are identifiable, when in fact most future people are of unknown identity, and when the very existence of most of them depends on current actions. It can be claimed that we still have obligations with regard to whoever there will be whom we could affect, and in addition, all the possible people of the future whom we could affect have moral standing, as well as corresponding members of other species. These obligations clash with the person-affecting principle, which considerably restricts such obligations and the scope of moral standing at the same time. Finally, there are implications for sustainability, at least with regard to sustainable levels of population and with regard to global warming, and thus a need for further clarification of the content of responsibilities toward future generations. INTRODUCTION The Earth Charter is a fine and wholesome expression both of a globally applicable ecological ethic and of a sensitive approach to a wide range of social issues needing to be confronted in the contemporary world.1 As such, it should be welcomed by proponents of a global ethic, as well as by advocates of environmental sensitivity and of global citizenship,2 advocates including the current author.3 This charter is of particular relevance to those of us concerned * Cardiff School of English, Communication and Philosophy, Cardiff University, Humanities Building, Colum Drive, Cardiff CF10 3EU, United Kingdom.
    [Show full text]
  • The Potential of the Earth Charter As a Science-Teaching Tool Stephan Harding, Jason Holbrook and Jeffrey Newman
    Education for sustainable development The potential of the Earth Charter as a science-teaching tool Stephan Harding, Jason Holbrook and Jeffrey Newman ABSTRACT Current UK policy is that all schools should be sustainable by 2020. The teaching of science and the scientific approach is fundamental in changing society, its outlook and practices with regard to sustainability. The Earth Charter, a statement of intent for humanity, can be a useful vehicle for developing the sustainability agenda in science departments and schools, while allowing for the incorporation and development of higher order thinking skills such as analysis, evaluation, creativity and empathy, all with a global appreciation. These vitally important transferable skills are key to producing sustainability-aware scientists and citizens of the future. The article uses the English curriculum and two Charter principles for illustration, but has wider implications. The UK Coalition Government of 2010 has yet food and drink, energy and water, travel and to publish its policy on ‘sustainable schools’ but traffic, purchasing and waste, buildings and the coalition agreement (HM Government, 2010) grounds, inclusion and participation, local well- incorporates the word ‘sustainable’ in reference being and global dimension. to banking, finance, planning, food production, The development can be seen by comparing transport and other areas, so it is clear that the these specifics with the criteria used by Ofsted to concept remains central and that schools will assess an outstanding school: be expected to play their part. The previous The school has embedded learning about government had the aspiration that all schools sustainability within the curriculum and life of should be sustainable by 2020 (DfES, 2006a), and the school and is working with the community to a recent Ofsted report (2009: 4), based on random advance a whole-school approach to sustainability.
    [Show full text]
  • The Earth Charter Through the Lenses of Sustainability Justice O Kαταστατικός Χάρτης Της Γης Μέσα Α
    9th International Conference in Open & Distance Learning - November 2017, Athens, Greece - PROCEEDINGS The Earth Charter through the Lenses of Sustainability Justice O Kαταστατικός Χάρτης της Γης μέσα από την Οπτική της Βιώσιμης Δικαιοσύνης Nelly Kostoulas-Makrakis Associate Professor of Teaching Methodology and Education for Sustainable Development Dept. of Primary Education University of Crete, Greece [email protected] Abstract The Earth Charter, the product of a worldwide, decade long, cross-cultural dialogue on common goals and shared values, is a vision and declaration of fundamental ethical principles for building a just, sustainable and peaceful global society in the 21st century. For almost two decades, the Earth Charter initiative has evolved to set forth fundamental principles for a sustainable way of life in an inclusive way. This paper attempts to connect the Earth Charter with the notion of sustainability justice. It has been found that all the four dimensions of sustainability justice, namely: social justice, environmental justice, economic justice and cultural justice are reflected upon the whole Earth Charter document and are related with its underlying vision. Keywords: Earth Charter, sustainability justice, ESD, transformative learning Περίληψη Ο Καταστατικός Χάρτης της Γης, προϊόν ενός παγκόσμιου δεκαετούς διαπολιτισμικού διαλόγου πάνω σε κοινούς στόχους και αξίες, είναι ένα όραμα και μια διακήρυξη ηθικών αρχών για την οικοδόμηση μιας δίκαιης, βιώσιμης και ειρηνικής παγκόσμιας κοινωνίας για τον 21ο αιώνα. Η πρωτοβουλία του Καταστατικού Χάρτη της Γης, για δύο σχεδόν δεκαετίες έθεσε τις βασικές αρχές για ένα βιώσιμο τρόπο ζωής με έναν ολιστικό τρόπο. Η παρούσα εργασία επιχειρεί να συνδέσει τον Καταστατικό Χάρτη της Γης με την έννοια της βιώσιμης δικαιοσύνης.
    [Show full text]
  • Earthly Dimensions of Peace: the Earth Charter
    PEACE AND CONFLICT: JOURNAL OF PEACE PSYCHOLOGY, 7(2), 157–171 Copyright © 2001, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. Earthly Dimensions of Peace: The Earth Charter Abelardo Brenes University for Peace, Costa Rica and Institute for Psychological Research, University of Costa Rica Deborah Du Nann Winter Department of Psychology Whitman College Cultures of peace will not be possible without a concerted effort to bring about global environmental security. Attempts to build sustainable cultures through international treaties have been disappointing. Nongovernmental groups have a better track record for promoting sustainable cultures. This article describes the psychological potential of the Earth Charter, a document written primarily by and for nongovernment organi- zations and world citizens, for soliciting committed environmental action from peo- ple throughout the world. After analyzing key features of the Charter, we discuss em- pirical support for its premise that moral responsibility leads to improved environmental behaviors. We conclude that peace psychologists have important roles to play in educating and promoting environmentally responsible behaviors through- out the world. Cultures of Peace will require the best of our human capacities, including that we learn how to protect our global environment. To do so, we will need to re- verse the 20th century’s pattern of overspending the earth’s physical resources. As a global community, we are quickly losing the ability to support life in all of its diversity and evolutionary potential. Most readers will recognize that major indicators of the earth’s environmental health are in decline. For example, global warming; loss of the earth’s ozone layer; deforestation; species extinction; ex- Requests for reprints should be sent to Abelardo Brenes, 95 Barrio México, 1005, San José, Costa Rica.
    [Show full text]
  • Rev. 4/25/11 “Earth Charter Ethics and Finding Meaning in an Evolving Universe” Steven C. Rockefeller Yale University 24 –
    Rev. 4/25/11 “Earth Charter Ethics and Finding Meaning in an Evolving Universe” Steven C. Rockefeller Yale University 24 – 26 March 2011 At the outset I would like to extend my personal congratulations to Mary Evelyn Tucker, John Grim and Brian Swimme on “The Journey of the Universe” film and book, which will become a deeply inspiring educational resource in support of the transition to a sustainable future. All of us associated with the Earth Charter Initiative are profoundly grateful to Mary Evelyn for her extraordinary leadership in support of the drafting and promotion of the Earth Charter. As a member of the drafting committee, Mary Evelyn played an especially important role in helping to craft language for the Preamble that sets the Earth Charter’s ethical vision in the context of an evolving universe. Further, she has always seen the need for a new global ethic as one important implication of the Universe Story as it relates to humanity’s role as a member of the community of life on Earth. Eric Chaisson, who with Mary Evelyn was part of the first Earth Charter drafting committee meeting in January 1997, also shares this outlook and his views had an important influence on the language that is used in the Preamble. I also would like to recognize that in addition to Mary Evelyn and Eric a number of you attending this conference contributed to the drafting process and have supported and used the Earth Charter in many different ways, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you.
    [Show full text]