In 2005, the United Nations released The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), a document that had been prepared by 1360 international scientists working over a four year period. This document contained the sobering fact that, of the 24 major ecosystems that support life on Earth—ecosystems that provide such essentials as fresh water and climate regulation—15 are being pushed beyond their sustainable limits or are already degraded.
In summary, they acknowledged that: “Human activity is putting such a strain on the natural functions of Earth that the ability of the planet’s ecosystems to sustain future generations can no longer be taken for granted.”
Much of this information has been emerging during the past few decades, yet the human community has seemed unable to respond appropriately. While the United Nations often attributes this lack of response to lack of “political will,” we at the Earth Values Caucus would like to suggest a deeper underlying cause—we suggest that we are facing a crisis of values.
Further, we would like to suggest that there is one place—beyond government and/or any other values system—that we can turn to if we truly want to address the crisis. And that is Earth itself.
Earth, over its billions of years of existence, has developed its own set of values that can serve as a learning instrument for those who are willing to listen.
The Earth Values Caucus invites you to first consider where we are today and then to look at where we need to go in terms of principles, vision and the Earth’s values if we are to move to a viable future. We do not consider our analysis to be closed and comprehensive, but rather invite you to begin with it as we move into this critical time in Earth’s history.
The Earth Values Caucus has explored and identified some basic—and destructive—assumptions that seem to be operative and increasingly problematic in our global culture.
Where we are today
These assumptions… and no doubt others… often operate at a subconscious level and, for the most part, activities based on them do not raise any ethical questions. In fact, because they are working assumptions, most people do not even “see” them or question them.
Other components of Earth have no intrinsic value and are not essential for the well-being of the Planet.
The variety, exquisite design and interplay of Earth’s species make no essential contribution that cannot be altered or improved by human ingenuity and technology.
Earth is merely a collection of “resources” meant for human use (and abuse).
Human beings are a superior, privileged species separate from all others in the natural world and in control of Earth’s processes.
*****
Earth embodies billions of years of organic growth based on natural cycles:
day and night,
seasonal activities,
rest and renewed energy,
chaos and death,
new life arising from changes.
Principles
The following principles undergird the Earth’s continuous sequence of irreversible transformations.
Each aspect of Planet Earth is essential for the well-being of the whole.
The formation of the entire universe manifests an immense array of diversity.
All aspects of being are marked by subjectivity and are coded to develop to their fullest potential
Interdependence is characteristic of all aspects of the universe
*****
To defy ancient growing patterns is to ignore Earth’s wisdom and risk harming ourselves and the planet’s life-support system.
Where we need to be…
Values
These principles become the shaping factor for delineating the contemporary value system.
Enhance the whole Earth community remembering that humans are but one part of the whole.
Strengthen all forms of diversity to insure ongoing vitality.
Respect each being for its intrinsic worth in order that each may fully express its role and mission in the Earth community.
Develop conscious awareness of the interdependence of all life as central fact to survival.
*****
