My discussion is on section 1 of the Earth Charter; “respect and care for the community of life, principles 1-4 Recognize that all beings are interdependent and every form of life has value regardless of its worth to human beings”. The first part describes that we are interdependent. Meaning we all benefit from one another and can all be affected by our personal decisions. This is crucial because the whole world functions as one; when we damage one part, we all bleed. All living and non-living things serve a purpose on earth, regardless if we personally feel like their purpose lacks value or not. All life was created intentionally. The second principle states that we should; “affirm faith in the inherent dignity of all human beings and in the intellectual, artistic, ethical, and spiritual potential of humanity”. To me, this means that each individual has great potential within them, water they use it or not is up to them. but our good qualities can contribute to the betterment of society if we let them. The four principles of this section were to respect earth and life in all of its diversity, Care for the community of life with understanding, compassion, and love, Build democratic societies that are just, participatory, sustainable, and peaceful, Secure Earth’s bounty and beauty for present and future generations. Giving back to the earth the way it gives to us, should be our main objective. We should collectively educate and learn more about sustainable ways to provide for ourselves while protecting and respecting the environment.
The part that stands out to me the most is principle 1 of Ecological Integrity; “protect and restore the integrity of Earth’s ecological systems, with special concern for biological diversity and the natural processes that sustain life”. The keyword in this statement is to restore the earth’s ecological system. It is so important for individuals to recognize and want to reverse the damage they’ve caused to our earth. Though some actions are irreversible, we should hold ourselves accountable for changing what we can.
It is important to teach students at a young age how to care for the world. I believe them showing them how much the world provides for our every single need, can make them appreciate it more. To do this, educators should get students out more. The only way we can truly connect with our environment is by simply being in it. Not just playing outside, but really studying the factors that make nature so beautiful and abundant. How earth gives us all of the ingredients to live safe and healthy lives. How using our natural resources can benefit us in many ways, and how giving back to it will not only help us but all organisms too. I think it should start small, most people don’t even know their state’s native plants and animals. Students should be educated on how the places they reside in are specifically created to meet the needs of the organisms in that region.
The Earth Charter teaches us about being good stewards over our resources and the gifts that mother nature gives us. It teaches us how to take care of those gifts, so we can pass them on to generations to come. The Earth Charter is a great example of how we should treat everyone with mutual respect and be givers, not just takers.
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