Earth Charter Reflection

I. RESPECT AND CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY OF LIFE

The insight and thoughtfulness that went into the creation of the first part, and all other parts, of the Earth Charter Reflection was immediately evident. The first line alone, "Recognize that all beings are interdependent and every form of life has value regardless of its worth to human beings" is a perfectly written narrative of how humanity should live on a planet with other living beings. We should not view ourselves as the only life forms that matter; other life forms only as valuable as they are valuable to us. I also greatly admire the idea behind living in just and democratic societies whose aims are to provide human rights and fundamental freedoms to all as well as the ability for all to reach their individual potential. 

Photo provided by Pasu Au Yeung on Flickr Oct. 18, 2014

II. ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY

The insight and thoughtfulness continues to the second part of the charter with lines such as, "Adopt at all levels sustainable development plans and regulations that make environmental conservation and rehabilitation integral to all development initiatives". Sustainable living should be our top priority moving forward by managing "the use of renewable resources such as water, soil, forest products, and marine life in ways that do not exceed rates of regeneration and that protect the health of ecosystems". If our planet is going to heal and maintain health and prosperity humanity must change its behavior and live a more sustainable existence. The line that states we must, "Promote the development, adoption, and equitable transfer of environmentally sound technologies" is genius and extremely appropriate for the times in which we live. All nations, regardless financial abilities, must have the proper equipment to live with sustainability in mind. A sound argument for not fully embracing environmental conservation and sustainability is that it only applies to the technologically advances nations that can fund such projects. The nations that can afford sustainability and environmental protection must help other nation financially to work towards the same environmental goals.  

 III. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE

The third part to the charter focuses more heavily on human progress and global equality. Human progress and equality has largely only been granted for those in middle to upper class tax brackets living in developed nations; the Earth Charter demands human progress and equality for everyone across the board. "Recognize the ignored, protect the vulnerable, serve those who suffer, and enable them to develop their capacities and to pursue their aspirations," are just actions all should strive towards to ensure global health and peace. If we are to work towards a better world it must include all peoples, not just those who can afford it.

Photo provided by Dan H. on Flickr Jan. 31, 2011

IV. DEMOCRACY, NONVIOLENCE, AND PEACE

Being a potential teacher of history and civics this section resonated most with me. To improve the planet, both sociologically and physically, we must begin by forming a foundation. A foundation that emphasizes democratic values such as free information, active, civil societies, creative arts, and equality. Only after establishing global democracy in a peaceful and  accepted manner can we turn our attention to reversing and maintaining a physically healthy planet.

 

Climate Change

Slow Burn: I thought this concept, applied to how human beings regard environmental catastrophe, was brilliant. We, as a people, only view environmental catastrophe, or any threat to mankind for that matter, as an emergency only if it threatens us in the now, in the immediate present. If the catastrophe is something that will impact us down the road, great, then we can put the end of man on the back burner. This is evident with environmental catastrophe, potential terrorist and domestic attacks, and disease. The glaciers are melting but because we are not directly exposed to the consequences too severely why not let it slow burn into compete environmental devastation instead of acting steadfast now. Terrorist attacks will continue until we remove ourselves from reliance on foreign oil, Middle East conflicts, and complete Israeli support. But who cares? At least until another 9/11 occurs. Disease is not controlled with preventive measures, at it should be, but rather as treatment once the disease is contracted. We, as human beings, prefer our fight or flight response to disaster, let it happen and when it does then we act, as opposed to a more rational approach, do something to remedy the situation before it becomes a disaster.

Photo provided by E. Erickson on Flickr June 19th, 2013

Small creature looking at old Friend: I loved the story of a nature photographer traveling the world looking for one of the most smallest, elusive creatures in the world. The story was full of amusing anecdotes and insight as well as an interesting epiphany. I particularly found the photographer's epiphany fascinating although I may have interpreted it a little different. The photographer mentioned as he finally found the elusive creature and looked at it, as it looked at him, for the first time he saw the story of primitive man living with primitive creature replaying in his mind. I believe rather that the creature was looking at modern man, completely separate from his natural, more primitive self. I like to think this small creature was looking at the photographer not as man at all but rather as a symbol of betrayal.  200,000 years ago man was a part of nature, living with nature as all other animals do today. Now man has turned into something completely different. Something against nature that has lost its way. The small creature knew what man has become and feared him like never before. Man has become stronger than nature able to destroy it effortlessly unlike any animal ever known. The small, elusive animal soon scattered after seeing new man, terrified of what has become of a once natural species and what the future holds after such an unnatural transformation.

Photo provided by Jack B. on Flickr May 19, 2012