ABSTRACT
The Earth Charter is a declaration of fundamental ethical principles for building a just, sustainable and peaceful global society, with ecological integrity as a major theme. This book provides a series of analyses of ecological integrity as it relates to the Earth Charter, social movements and international law for human rights. It is shown how the Earth Charter project began as a United Nations initiative, but it was carried forward and completed by a global civil society initiative.
The drafting of the Earth Charter involved the most inclusive and participatory process of its time ever associated with the creation of an international declaration. This process is the primary source of its legitimacy as a guiding ethical framework. The Earth Charter was finalized and then launched in 2000 and its legitimacy has been further enhanced by its endorsement by over 6,500 organizations, including many governments and international organizations. In the light of this legitimacy, an increasing number of international lawyers recognize that the Earth Charter is acquiring the status of a soft law document.
The book also shows the strong connection between ecological integrity and social justice, particularly in the defence of indigenous people, and includes contributions from both the North and the global South, specifically from Central and South America.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part 1|35 pages
The Earth Charter and the search for common ground
part 2|37 pages
International law, ethics and social movements
chapter 4|11 pages
The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
chapter 5|11 pages
Norms for scientific claims made in the face of scientific uncertainty
chapter 6|13 pages
What a difference a disaster makes – or doesn't
part 3|73 pages
International law, human rights and ecological integrity
chapter 11|19 pages
Frack off!
part 4|42 pages
Indigenous voices for integrity
chapter 15|10 pages
Moving toward global eco-integrity
part 5|53 pages
Government decisions, environmental policies and social movements