Earth Charter Blog

In the first principle of the Earth Charter it says that we must respect and care for the community of life. One way it says we must do so is by recognizing that “all beings are interdependent and every form of life has value regardless of its worth to human beings.” It reminds me of Aldo Leopold and his discussion on having a land ethic. Leopold believed that humanity should value all life forms regardless of what it could gain from it. He describes the argument that "...predators are members of the community, and that no special interest has the right to exterminate them for the sake of a benefit, real or fancied, to itself" as an "enlightened view" (Leopold 65-66). 

Under the second principle of the Earth Charter called Ecological Integrity, the recovery of endangered species and ecosystems is promoted. I found a connection between that idea of recovering species and ecosystems and the ideas presented in the TED video we watched in class. The video focused on the idea that through a process, extinct species could be brought back to life and restored into the wilderness.  

The third principle of the Earth Charter focuses on social and economic justice. In working toward social and economic justice, the Earth Charter proposes eradicating poverty as an ethical, social, and environmental imperative. One way to eradicate poverty is to "recognize the ignored, protect the vulnerable, serve those who suffer, and enable them to develop their capacities and to pursue their aspirations." I want to connect that goal with Plan B 4.0 by Lester R. Brown. Brown describes countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo where more than 5 million lives have been lost since 1998 due to problems related to hunger and illness (Brown 18-19). Places like the Congo need that help from those who can give it. Their government is no longer in control. 

The fourth principle of the Earth Charter is Democracy, Nonviolence, and Peace. Under this principle it says "integrate into formal education and life-long learning the knowledge, values, and skills needed for a sustainable way of life." That reminded me of David Orr's belief that all education is environmental education. Orr says that by what is included or excluded, a person's view of nature is being affected.

Jane Goodall and others

Jane Goodall's writing provided me with hope for those parts of nature that have been destroyed. She provided many examples of successful restoring of places of the world that were once eroded.

"It is living proof that the rehabilitation of a man-made wasteland is not only possible, but can be accomplished with sound organic principles" (Goodall, Hudson, Maynard 163).

The above quote is referring to the change of what was once a wasteland to now a fresh forest and grassland. The person who had taken on the task mentioned that it was a tough one, as there weren't any plants growing even in the oldest parts of the land. However, today the place is a habitat for many endangered species. It is also a place that is used to teach people of Kenya about the environment. Lastly, it is mentioned that nature provided the way for this endeavor to succeed.

Photo by miriadna.com

"I carry it around the world, for it symbolizes both the indomitable human spirit and the resilience of nature if given a helping hand" (Goodall, Hudson, Maynard 164). 

The writer of the above quote is referring to a laminated leaf that Paul Rokich had sent him from one of the first trees Paul planted at the Oquirrh Mountains. As a little boy Paul had told his father, as they both stared up at the mountains located in Utah, that he would replant trees on the then destroyed land.That land is now restored. 

Photo by panoramio.com

"she 'squealed so loudly that Jonathan heard the sound even though we were both underwater!'" (Goodall, Hudson, Maynard 167).

Coho fish became endangered in 1994. From then on conservation partners began working to protect the coho fish. Their labor paid off as Jennifer Carah ended up excitedly spotting a coho fish while snorkeling. This is an exciting story that gives me hope for the future restoration of endangered species. Below is a picture of a Coho Salmon! 

Photo by www.fly-fishing-discounters.com

"We could, with major changes in the way most people live today, survive without oil. But we could not survive without water" (Goodall, Hudson, Maynard 167).

Ismail Seregeldin said that the wars of our century will be fought over water and not oil. He also makes the great point that we can survive without oil, but not without water. However, the good news is that the threat of water shortage has been acknowledged. I hope we can continue to work towards saving the water supply. 

Photo by bestpaperz.com