October 2009
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FacebookBy L. Sara Bysterveld
A quick look around at the state of the world – the environment, the economy, global conflict – prompts many of us to wonder what we can do to help turn things around. Fortunately, many people around the world are working to improve their own lives and those of others, as well as the prognosis for our earth.
Among these millions spread over the earth, beliefs, goals and themes are often remarkably similar. As if there were one overarching set of beliefs guiding the actions of many, activists, philanthropists, visionary business owners and individuals of every walk of life are moving toward a similar vision of the future.
As it turns out, there is an overarching set of beliefs that matches much of what many envision for our collective future. It is called the Earth Charter, and it is an exhaustive document outlining what can and should be done to improve our odds for living long-term here on earth in peace, health and prosperity.
The Earth Charter is “a global declaration of interdependence and universal responsibility for sustainability,” explains Jan Roberts, founder of Earth Charter US. It covers topics such as ecological integrity, social and economic justice, and democracy, non-violence and peace, with the aim of individuals and businesses worldwide endorsing and upholding the principles outlined therein. Focus areas include business, education and the media, as well as religion, youth and the environment.
Written by people from around the world over a period of 10 years, the Earth Charter was originally envisioned by the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987, but it didn’t have its official start until 1994, when Maurice Strong and Mikhail Gorbachev (working through their respective organizations Earth Council and Green Cross International) began work to create a charter that would guide the world in the transition to sustainable development.
Although there are national Earth Charter groups in more than 30 countries, Roberts explains that it has never been their aim to direct the adoption of the beliefs and practices outlined in the Charter. All Earth Charter materials (including the Charter itself plus a host of other educational resources) are available as free downloads on the Earth Charter International website for any individual, business or organization to use as they see fit.
One major method of dissemination for the Earth Charter is the large number of Earth Charter Summits that take place around the world each fall. Calgary has hosted a Summit four of the past five years, and the event itself as well as the turnout is growing every year.
Stephanie Jackman of REAP Business Association has hosted the Earth Charter Summit since 2005 with the exception of 2006. She first learned of the Earth Charter in a magazine she bought on a whim, in which the Charter was published in its entirety. “By the time I finished reading it there were tears streaming down my face,” she recalls. “I thought, ‘This is the kind of world I want to live in.’”
The first Summit was held in her living room and consisted of 15 of her friends. REAP has hosted the Summit since its formation in 2006. “The four tenets of the Earth Charter (respect and care for the community of life; ecological integrity; social and economic justice; and democracy, nonviolence, and peace) are such a natural fit for REAP,” she says.
The Earth Charter has vast implications for our fate. Demonstrate your commitment to sustainable living by incorporating its principles into your life.
TAKE ACTION:
- Read the Earth Charter online. If you like what you read, click on “Endorse the Earth Charter” and help to spread the word.
- Start an Earth Charter study group using the Art of Earth Chartering Guide as a framework.
- Use the Little Earth Charter as a way to introduce the idea to the children in your life.
- Watch a video of the 2008 Earth Charter Summit in Calgary, hosted by REAP.
- Attend the 2009 Calgary Earth Charter Summit on Saturday, October 10 at Eau Claire Market from 12:00PM to 4:00PM. The event is free and will include a variety of green exhibitors and activities for the whole family. Visit www.reapcalgary.com/summit for details.
- For other local events that advance the principles of sustainability, check out the social action initiatives at The Arusha Centre (http://arusha.org), including Calgary Dollars and the Action Film Series
April 3rd, 2010 at 7:15 am
[...] (required) Website. Submit Comment The best criticism of the bad is the practice of the better. …Citizens of the Earth Come Together | REAP CalgaryIt is called the Earth Charter, and it is an exhaustive document outlining what can and should be [...]