There are seven continents, hundreds of nations, thousands of human
cultures on our interdependent Earth. The U.N., nations and individuals uphold
a central concept of “universal” human rights—every human being is entitled to
social justice, to safe, secure, sustainable life. The issues involved include:
food, water, energy, environment, even habitat/living space.
Balanced with these is one central ecological and ethical reality. Out
of about 25 million or so species, and possible trillions of microscopic species, all are Earthlings. One is human.
It is time to recognize that there are "universal"
environmental rights. The Earth itself has boundaries, sovereign, non-renewable
rights, resource-balances which we must not violate.
Whatever our nationality, access, title or position in life, humans must
work together to prevent further exploitation of the planet. It is
irresponsible, even unconscionable to continue the depredations of global
resources vital to the continuation of intrinsic Earth processes--including the
continuation of human life on this planet.
For a moment, view the Earth as a machine which supports all human
life. The "engines" of the Earth require care. Depletion of vital
components causes deterioration—failure of the system.
We are all allies in the search for truth and justice, which must
include the fair and sustainable treatment of our citizens, of all on this
interdependent planet, and of the Earth itself.
