2006 Series 3 Number 8 Page 31
Some Thoughts on the Manifesto for Earth.
Dr. Ted Mosquin’s eight-page essay explored an ethical framework humanity might use to ensure its own survival, along with the survival of Earth’s other lifeforms. Of necessity, it is a secular document, for anything based on contrived or ‘other worldly’ notions or assumptions could not be objective.
The manifesto included six core principles and five action principles that follow from those core ideas.
- The ecosphere is the centre of value.
- The creativity and productivity of Earth’s ecosystems depend on their integrity.
- The Earth-centred worldview is support by natural history.
- Ecocentric ethics are grounded in awareness of our place in Nature.
- An ecocentric worldview values diversity of ecosystems and cultures.
- Ecocentric ethics supports social justice.
- Defend and preserve Earth’s creative potential.
- Reduce population size.
- Reduce human consumption of Earth’s parts.
- Promote ecocentric governance (law).
- Spread the message (education).
He felt it was essential to understand that the manifesto is not anti-human, though it rejects chauvinistic homocentrism. Rather, the ecological message can lead to a new and promising path to international understanding, cooperation, stability, and peace. [Indeed, given experience in the last two decades, in particular, it may be the only such avenue. Ed.]
[Dr. Mosquin was a plant biologist (botanist), widely published and asked to participate in many important environmental and government organizations. Anyone interested can read more about him at the second link below, with many of the articles written and co-written by him at the third link. That link contains a copy of the actual manifesto as its first entry. Ed.]
[The original Manifesto for Earth was first written and published on 2004 by Ted and Dr. Stan Rowe, another famous Canadian plant scientist (see the fourth link below), who died just after the manifesto was finalized. Ed.]
Link to | Some Thoughts on the Manifesto for Earth.
Link to | Biography for Ted Mosquin.
Link to | Ted Mosquin’s website.
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