I rejoice in the beauty and wonder of the lands, skies, waters, and life in all its diversity. Earth is my home, and I share it with all other living beings. We all depend upon the Earth and upon one another for our mutual existence, well-being, and development.
Yet humanity is rendering the Earth uninhabitable for human beings and for many other species of life. Lands are becoming barren, skies fouled, waters poisoned. The cry of people whose land, livelihood and health are being destroyed is heard around the world. Our future depends upon our accepting fully humanity's intimate relationship to the Earth. The Earth itself is calling us to wake up!—to develop common principles and systems to shape our future in harmony with the Earth.
I know that Governments cannot secure the environment without popular support. As a citizen of the world, I accept responsibility in my personal, occupational and community life, to protect the integrity of the Earth. I shall try to awaken others to the same responsibility and expect governments, as our leaders, to respond to the following principles and commitments, which I shall undertake in covenant with other people of the earth and on behalf of the whole earth community:
• Relationship with the Earth—All Life is sacred. Each human being is a unique and integral part of the Earth's community of life and has a special responsibility to care for life in all its diverse forms.
I will act and live in a way that preserves the natural life processes of the Earth and respects all species and their habitats. I will work to prevent ecological degradation.
• Relationship with Each Other—Each human being has the right to a healthy environment and to access to the fruits of the Earth. Each also has a continual duty to work for the realization of these rights for present and future generations.
I will work for more equitable access to the Earth's resources, to ensure that every person has food, shelter, pure air, potable water, education, employment and all that is necessary to enjoy the full measure of human rights.
• Relationship Between Economic and Ecological Security—Since human life is rooted in the natural processes of the Earth, economic development, to be sustainable, must preserve the life-support systems of the Earth.
I will use environmentally protective technologies and promote them to everyone I can on Earth. I shall not be daunted by those who out of ignorance or greed will try to impose selfish and short term advantages at the expense of the environment. When doubtful about the consequences of economic goals and technologies on the environment, I will err on the side of caution to protect Nature.
• Governance and Ecological Security—The protection and enhancement of life on Earth demand adequate legislative, administrative and judicial systems at local, regional, national and international levels. To be effective, these systems must be empowering, participatory and based on openness of information.
I will work for enactment of laws that protect the environment and promote their observance through educational, political and legal action. I shall advance policies of prevention rather than only reacting to ecological harm.
Signed:_______________________________________________________
I have signed the Earth Covenant, entering into a covenant with others around the Earth to live ecologically responsible lives. I will keep a copy of the document for personal reflexion and to remind me of my commitment. I will copy the covenant and offer it to others to sign. I declare a partnership with them and with our Earth, and give my word of honour to be true to these commitments.
This version: Adelphiasophism Saviour Shirlie (http://www.askwhy.co.uk/adelphiasophism/)
Original Earth Covenant, Global Education Associates, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 456, New York, NY 10115 (212) 870-3290