The Earth Charter

The Earth Charter is an effort to create a statement of ecology for all the nations of the world. It was expected to have been a product of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (the Earth Summit) in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, but the participants were unable to reach agreement.

The Charter was restarted independent of the United Nations in 1995. Current plans are for The Earth Charter to be submitted to the UN General Assembly for endorsement in 2002.

The objective of the Earth Charter is to give inspiring expression to the most fundamental principles of an integrated ethical vision for our common future. These principles will have enduring significance for people of all races, cultures and religions, clarifying humanity's shared values and developing a new global ethic for a sustainable way of life.

Together in hope, we pledge to:

1. Respect Earth and all life.
2. Care for the community of life in all its diversity.
3. Strive to build free, just, participatory, sustainable, and peaceful societies
4. Secure Earth's abundance and beauty for present and future generations.

The Earth Charter USA Conference will be held April 20-22, 2000 in Washington, DC.