W                     e  are  living  at  a  very  important  time  in
                    Earth’s history. The choices we make today
                    will  determine  the  future  of  life  on  Earth.
All  people  of  Earth  are  in  the  same  human  family.
People, plants, animals, soil, air, and water form one
Earth community. We need to listen to and help one another and work together to protect our Earth community. Earth, Our Home Planet Earth is part of an amazing,
vast  universe.  On  this  planet  are
many   different   kinds   of   plants,
animals, and people — all linked
to one another in a complex web
of life. All forms of life depend on
one  another  and  on  Earth’s  soil,
air, and water. When one part is
weak  or  unhealthy,  all  other  parts  are  affected.  Earth  provides
everything we need. Every man-made thing started from some-
thing  in  nature.  Plants  and  animals  provide  food  and  clothing.
People build shelters using soil, clay, rock, trees, plants, and animal
skins. People depend on air to breathe and on water for drinking,
cleaning, growing plants, and more. Problems on Earth People have been wasting a lot of what they take from nature —
plants, animals, water, metals, minerals, oil. Some of these pre-
cious resources nature can replace, but it often takes a long time.
Others are irreplaceable. Many people use soil in ways that take
away its life and allow it to be washed away where it clogs up
rivers and lakes. Many industries release pollutants into air, water, and soil. While some peo-
ple have much more than
they   need,   many   many
others do not                                                have
enough   food   or   clean
water    to    stay    healthy.
Violence,   such   as   war,
destroys   homes,   health,
and life. What We Must Do All people must join together
to care for Earth and for one
another. We have                                                           the
scientific     knowledge     and
means  to  clean  up  our  air,
water,  and  soil  and  to  take
care     of     everyone’s     basic
needs.  The  principles  of  the
Earth Charter show us what
to do. RESPECT AND CARE FOR
THE COMMUNITY OF LIFE n Respect Earth and understand, love, and care for all life. n Find ways for people to live together peacefully and work
together for the good of all. n Make Earth healthy and beautiful for future children. ALL FORMS OF LIFE ARE
INTERCONNECTED n Protect and restore the web of life.
n Don’t take chances that may be harmfull to Earth’s environment. n Live and do business in ways that are healthy for Earth and for people. n Share with others how to protect and restore Earth’s health. EVERYONE DESERVES EQUAL OPPORTUNITY n Guarantee that everyone has enough to meet their basic needs. n Be sure that everyone gets a fair share of Earth’s resources. n Secure equality for everyone.
n Protect the rights of all people to live in dignity, health, and happiness. PROTECT FREEDOMS AND
CREATE PEACE n The purpose of government is to serve and protect the people. n Treat all living beings with respect and consideration. n Encourage people to use their words to resolve conflicts. THE WAY FORWARD People   of   Earth   must   join   hands   to   make   a   new   start.
Governments must work together in the United Nations. Talking
things over is the best way to proceed. Every person, every family,
every group, every community, every adult, every child can play a
part. Together we can create a better earth for all. THE EARTH CHARTER one human family — one earth community Earth Charter
Community Get your kids involved for a better future today.
www.earthchartersummits.org • 813.254.8454

			THE EARTH CHARTER
Respect & Caring for the Community of Life | Ecological Integrity | Social & Economic Justice | Democracy, Nonviolence, & Peace