The Earth Charter

 "Behold how good and how pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell together in Unity."

The Earth Charter talks about the necessity for us to become one working together to preserve the diversity of life. The first rule is “Respect Earth in all its diversity. Recognize that all beings are interdependent and every life form has value regardless of its worth to human beings.” I find this to be the root of all changes that need to be taken. Without an understanding of life and caring for this world, then we cannot begin to start caring about preserving it and any of the rules that follow. When it comes to our Ecological integrity the Earth Charter suggests that we internalize the full environmental and social cost of goods, and should reflect that in its price. I agree with this, maybe if things such as water were more expensive reflecting its scarcity then maybe we wouldn’t use as much so frivolously. Another crucial rule is “to empower every human being with the education and resources to secure a sustainable livelihood.” I believe that this fundamental, and crucial to fill in the gap that exists between the rich and the poor.  Many countries are without food and water while others are sitting on an excess use of it. There is no reason that this should be so, and every human life deserves the access to these same resources. Currently we view the human species in segmented parts, labeled by the country that we live in. However, if we viewed the world in its entirety then we would care about every living person and supply them with what they need. We need to “recognize the ignored, protect the vulnerable, serve those who suffer, and enable them to develop their capacities and to pursue their aspirations.” If we do this, then it can increase the efficiency of the entire world. Some people can be really good at something but lack the necessary resources to accomplish it. If we helped those that cannot help themselves then we can add another person that can function in societies to help allow it to flourish. I really like how the Earth Charter ends with “We must find ways to harmonize diversity with unity, the exercise of freedom with the common good, short term objectives with long term goals.” Just because we are all different does not mean we cannot be in unity, and I believe that understanding is the beginning to this change. It’s not easy to understand things that are different from you, and it requires a drop in the ego and pride to be able to do so. But if we all were a little more understanding then maybe we wouldn’t be so separate but unified as one world. Then we could work together to enact all of the guidelines that are discussed in the Earth Charter, and make this world a better place for all.