Introduction
The world as it is today is in peril. All are in quick transition causing people to be irresponsible in conserving their moral and political duties. Production and resource use is on a downward trend. Devastation and depletion of resources have led to the total destruction of species that support life in one way or the other. There is a high growth in population which has led to high poverty levels. This brings insecurity and terror among nations. Ecological and social systems are overburdened. An initiative dubbed “Earth Initiative Charter” was formulated to help address the challenges faced globally.
The earth was originally designed to sustain life and it has done so over the years. The initiative of the earth charter is to promote realization towards a renewable and sustainable way of living in a world that shares in its responsibilities. This encompasses the care of life, environment, human rights, and respect for all races, equal opportunities, democracy, and ultimate peace. This global network of people in institutions and organizations promotes and implements the values of the earth charter. It is broad-based in its membership. We have a choice to care for and protect the earth lest we are left to suffer. An overhaul is needed in the way we do things. Social, economical, and political pressure is on each individual to correct the errors of the past and have a better world. This can not be done as individuals or as a nation, a global approach is best. We need a shared vision for our earth to survive and leave the next generation with something they can be proud of. (The Earth Charter in Action 2000)
Body
There are ideas in the earth charter that reflect its initiative purpose. These are respect and care for the community. This idea recognizes that everybody is equal and dependent on each other. Every form of life has value and should be respected. Love and understanding with respect to ownership and use of resources. People should have access to knowledge. A free society should be encouraged to allow for full potential growth in people. Social and economic freedom and fairness should also be upheld. This must be done with the environment in mind. Sustainable use of resources is a value the initiative holds dear. (Ferrero & Holland 2002)
Care for the environment. Conservation policy and use with a mind for the next generations. Protect ecology in fauna and flora to avoid the disruption of the ecosystem that holds the environment together. Genetically modified organisms should not be introduced into the environment. Renewable resources should be sustained by minimal extraction and ensuring the benefit can be used by future generations. Protect the surroundings as the best option when little is known of the resource capacity. Reversing damage is almost impossible to its original natural state. This can be implemented at the decision-making stage in policy formulation. Conservation is the best policy when it comes to environmental resources. Information on best practices should be made known to all stakeholders. (Ferrero & Holland 2002)
Social and economical freedom. Poverty is a real factor that robs the environment of its resource. When people are poor they tend to use any available resource without taking into account that soon it will be constrained. They lack alternatives as they know nothing outside their immediate surroundings. Awareness is required. If everybody is equipped with resources and knowledge to have a sustainable livelihood, the pressure will be lifted off the environment and other people. A person who cannot feed themselves is a danger to the community as they develop antisocial traits. Economic activities should be directed at empowering the citizens of a nation. The equal global association can be achieved when people are living to their satisfaction. Gender equality is part of the interaction, especially in decision-making. This is tested when gender-sensitive issues are not addressed properly. Belief should be cultivated at the family level. The young citizens are called the leaders of tomorrow, if not checked, the society risks losing its culture and identity. (Ferrero & Holland 2002)
Democracy. Most nations have adopted democracy but it is not uniform. The type of governance you will find in the third world is different from that of developed countries. This can be attributed to the disparity in income among the nations. Institutions at all levels should be made strong, transparent, and accountable. Decision-making is a vital bonding part in the democratic culture. Information is used in decision making, ignorance is said to be no defense, but if you lack the information you are bound to act as if ignorant. Participation cements democracy. Freedom and decisiveness should be allowed to all people. (Ferrero & Holland 2002)
Peace and nonviolent society. All would be of no use if the society can not stand each other. A community at war can never develop. A culture of peace with each other and animals will promote a better understanding and conserving of the resources. Moral and spiritual education promotes sustainable living. A love and care culture is powerful in society. Tolerance of one another creates peace and love. Animals are part of the environment and should be cared for. The destruction of habitat and abuse of animals has led to animal rights. (Ferrero & Holland 2002)
Conclusion
In a world that is fast becoming “one”, a lot of emphases should be put into uniting the world community. Bodies such as the United Nations have a platform where ideas can be channeled. We are living in a century where the world is faced with numerous challenges. Civil unrest, wars, broken institutions, and an environment that is ailing. Countries should be encouraged to adopt the earth charter alongside other networks that promote well-being. Environmental care and development of the human species can be enhanced once ideas such as those of the earth charter are adopted by all nations. We will be remembered and judged for having made the right or never making any decisions regarding saving our earth.
Nations have tried to implement domestic policies regarding conservation, only to realize there are some resources that do not respect boundaries. An example is in the climate. Changes in climate has resulted in poor rainfall patterns hence food insecurity. This has led to social unrest and political and economic instability. These problems follow each other as there is no separating one from the other. We could talk of these challenges for centuries and centuries but until we find a forum to address them, they will remain just that, challenges this is why we need a global approach to curb the problem and the “Earth Initiative Charter” is a good beginning to lay foundation for policy formulation.
Work cited
Ferrero E. & Holland J. “The Earth Charter” A Study Book of Reflection for Action. Miami: Redwoods Press, 2002.
The Earth Charter in Action. The Earth Charter. 2000. Web.