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July 2001
On June 25th, The U.S.
Conference of Mayors passed a resolution that states:
"The US Conference of Mayors endorses the Earth Charter and
commits the organization to the realization of its aim. And urges its
mayors and their cities to formally review and debate the Earth
Charter and its relationship to its work."
This endorsement is the result of individuals from Shelburne Farms in
Burlington, Vermont, a town of about 30,000, who brought the Earth
Charter to the attention of their Mayor, Peter Clavelle. The Mayor knew
that the Charter had been adopted by ICLEI (International Council on
Local Environmental Initiatives), in which he participated. Clavelle
proposed the following resolution, which was adopted by the U.S.
Conference of Mayors.
WHEREAS, the Earth Charter is a declaration of the fundamental
principles for a sustainable future and an urgent call to build a global
partnership for sustainable development; and
WHEREAS, for over a decade hundreds of groups and thousands of
individuals throughout the world have been involved in the process of
drafting an Earth Charter; and
WHEREAS, the principles of the Earth Charter present a conception of
sustainable development and set forth fundamental guidelines for
achieving it; and
WHEREAS, the Earth Charter is guided by a commitment to the principle
of meeting our needs today, while at the same time enhancing future
generations' ability to meet their needs; and
WHEREAS, the Earth Charter sets forth an integrated approach to
community development which addresses respect and care for the community
of life, ecological integrity, social and economic justice, and
democracy, non-violence and peace; and
WHEREAS, the Earth Charter offers principles which will be helpful to
cities in addressing pressing issues and challenges:
I. RESPECT AND CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY OF LIFE
Respect Earth and life in all its diversity. Care for the community
of life with understanding, compassion, and love. Build democratic
societies that are just, participatory, sustainable, and peaceful.
Secure Earth's bounty and beauty for present and future generations.
In order to fulfill these four broad commitments, it is necessary to:
II. ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY
Protect and restore the integrity of Earth's ecological systems, with
special concern for biological diversity and the natural processes that
sustain life. Prevent harm as the best method of environmental
protection and, when knowledge is limited, apply a precautionary
approach. Adopt patterns of production, consumption, and reproduction
that safeguard Earth's regenerative capacities, human rights, and
community well-being. Advance the study of ecological sustainability and
promote the open exchange and wide application of the knowledge
acquired.
III. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE
Eradicate poverty as an ethical, social, and environmental
imperative. Ensure that economic activities and institutions at all
levels promote human development in an equitable and sustainable manner.
Affirm gender equality and equity as prerequisites to sustainable
development and ensure universal access to education, health care, and
economic opportunity. Uphold the right of all, without discrimation, to
a natural and social environment supportive of human dignity, bodily
health, and spiritual well-being, with special attention to the rights
of indigenous peoples and minorities.
IV. DEMOCRACY, NONVIOLENCE, AND PEACE
Strengthen democratic institutions at all levels, and provide
transparency and accountability in governance, inclusive participation
in decision making, and access to justice. Integrate into formal
education and life-long learning the knowledge, values, and skills
needed for a sustainable way of life. Treat all living beings with
respect and consideration. Promote a culture of tolerance, nonviolence,
and peace, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The U.S. Conference of Mayors
endorses the Earth Charter and commits the organization to the
realization of its aims; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that mayors and their cities are urged to
formally review and debate the Earth Charter and its relationship to
their work.
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, any
copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair
use without profit or payment for non-profit research and
educational purposes only. [Ref. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml]
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