We
Can Change the World!
We are
part of a growing movement, of alliances and networks around the world,
that is working hard to find alternative solutions and create the necessary
paradigm shift in the political, economic and value systems of our civilization
to ensure the survival of this planet and its inhabitants.
A
Call To Action
An acute
State of Emergency exists on Earth, imperiling its climate, its life
support systems and the lives of billions of people. The related crises
of environmental degradation and the destitution of a third of humanity
are linked to the ever-greater concentration of economic power and worsened
by a profound failure of world governance. The world community, is called
to act, agreeing a planetary ethic - of respect for life and human dignity
- as expressed in the Earth Charter.
Millions
of people worldwide are becoming aware of the connectedness of all life.
By working together through our networks, globally and locally, we can
accelerate initiatives already under way, shifting the global balance
of power in favour of restoring the Earth, sharing its resources equitably
and assuring the sustainable wellbeing of present and future generations.
To achieve these aims, we call for a global alliance of all sections
of society. The creativity of all of humanity is needed - using traditional
and popular knowledge, art, design, engineering, modern science and
business to create a thriving and sustainable relationship between people
and planet.
At this defining moment in history, we urge world leaders to acknowledge
the Earth’s State of Emergency and give priority to major investment
in environmental security and peace, not war. Jointly, we can work to
restore the earth’s ecosystems, feed the world and create liveable
and sustainable human settlements. We call for the current decade to
be used to:-
Rapidly phase in renewable energy technology in place of polluting energy
systems as a key strategy for sustainability in industry, agriculture,
transport and the built environment,
Shift taxation
from labour to the use of resources, pollution and waste - promoting
conservation and clean production, and enhancing social welfare and
jobs,
Create
ecological economies, compatible with the Earth’s ecosystems –acknowledging
that perpetual economic growth is not possible in a finite world,
Co-operate
globally to revive local democracies and economies - prioritising local
production for local consumption, and minimizing the need for long-distance
transport of goods,
Make sustainable
agriculture the global norm - securing food supplies with minimal environmental
impacts, avoiding genetic engineering and prohibiting patents on life,
Protect
tribal and traditional societies and their lands - acknowledging their
right to decide their own future and respecting their contribution to
human knowledge,
Reform
worldwide monetary and financial systems to protect and enhance the
well-being of human communities and the natural environment on which
they depend,
Initiate
a progressive shift of funds from military spending towards environmental
security - providing adequate water, nutrition, healthcare, shelter
and sustainable livelihoods for all,
Create
a participative Earth Democracy – fundamentally reforming global
governance, for the benefit of people and nature, so that international
decision making is open and accountable within the framework of a strengthened
and democratised United Nations.
Another world is possible... Spread the
word... And let's make it happen!