Earth Jurisprudence

Earth Jurisprudence or Earth Law... 

...recognizes that Earth is the source of laws which govern life. This requires our human community to comply with these laws, for the well-being of the whole Earth Community and future generations. This is how indigenous peoples from across our planet have lived for millennia.

Earth Jurisprudence or Earth law recognizes Earth as the primary source of law which sets human law in a context which is wider than humanity. This is to say that human law should be derived from the laws which govern life - it is secondary to Earth law. Earth Law acknowledges that the good of the whole takes precedence over the good of the individual elements. Thus the way we govern ourselves needs to embody an ethical code of practice which requires us to live according to Nature's laws, for the well-being of the whole Earth Community and future generations of all species. MORE

The Gaia Foundation is passionate about regenerating cultural and biological diversity, and restoring a respectful relationship with the Earth. Together with long-term partners in Africa, South America, Asia and Europe, we work with local communities to secure land, seed, food and water sovereignty. By reviving indigenous knowledge and protecting sacred natural sites, local self-governance is strengthened. This enables communities to become more resilient to climate change and the industrial processes which have caused the many crises we now face. MORE

WHAT DOES GENDER HAVE TO DO WITH CLIMATE CHANGE?

What Do Women Want? A thriving world with a sustainable climate, for starters! This month’s conversation will explore the role of women's leadership in the climate change movement. Be in conversation with four powerful leaders who were among 100 delegates who drafted the "Women's Climate Action Agenda" at the September International Women's Earth and Climate Summit. - See more at: http://www.pachamama.org/womens-leadership

Mission and Vision of Earth Law Center

Earth Law Center educates and advocates for laws and policies that recognize and promote the inherent rights of nature to exist, thrive and evolve.

We envision a future where the inherent rights of nature are respected and implemented globally.

To accomplish our mission and work towards achievement of our vision, Earth Law Center takes on specific initiatives to develop, increase awareness of, and advocate for Earth-based laws, policies, economies, philosophies and governance systems. Initiatives include advocacy projects on behalf of particular ecosystems and communities, university educational programs, and innovative research efforts. MORE

Many damaging effects of climate change are already basically irreversible, and even if carbon emissions can somehow be halted, temperatures around the globe will remain high until at least the year 3000.

"People have imagined that if we stopped emitting carbon dioxide the climate would go back to normal in 100 years, 200 years; that's not true," climate researcher Susan Solomon said in a teleconference. Solomon is a leader of the International Panel on Climate Change and one of the world's best known researchers on the subject. "I think you have to think about this stuff as more like nuclear waste than acid rain: The more we add, the worse off we'll be," Solomon continued.

The report, spearheaded by an international team of scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Earth System Research Laboratory in Boulder, Colo., defines "irreversible" as change that would remain for 1,000 years even if humans stopped adding carbon to the atmosphere immediately. MORE