A Call To Action. A declaration of change for the future, Earth Emergency (2002)
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!
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