Nature's Advocates: Rights of Mother Earth

August 6, 2024

After humans, our closest relationship is with our natural environment, hence why we call it "Mother Earth." For this reason, many countries worldwide have created legal and formal measures to protect it. These environmental laws help support our relationship with nature and take shape in many forms, from local government bylaws to court decisions to national constitutions.

The origins of environmental laws and justice are debated. Some argue that the United States introduced these ideas in its municipalities in 2006. Others might justify that Ecuador was the first to claim environmental justice and grant rights to nature on a national level in 2008.  

But the argument extends beyond these notable events. Although we've looked into formally accepted structures, we've historically ignored other nations, such as First Nations across the Americas and the Maori people of New Zealand, who have recognized environmental rights and protection over centuries. 

In recent contexts, more countries have established formal declarations protecting nature's rights. On April 22, 2019 (Earth Day), Bolivia hosted the World People's Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth to introduce the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth. In this conference, Bolivia deemed the Earth a source of life and interdependent with humans. 

Universal understanding and adherence to environmental protection clauses are crucial. Creating formal regulations for ecological protection establishes a framework and expectations for people and larger government structures to prioritize. 

These regulations set a tone of accountability and responsibility, promoting sustainable practices for future generations. They help prevent environmental degradation by holding individuals, businesses, and governments accountable for their actions and ensuring ecological impacts are in decision-making processes.

However, modern-day capitalism in North America takes a cruel and inconsiderate approach to the planet's well-being. We have a profit-over-people-and-environment approach to how we direct business and our day-to-day lives. We've seen countless inconsiderations towards our planet, from destroyed greenspaces, polluted land and oceans, and overproduction and overconsumption of resources. 

Current economic systems destroy our ecological systems and leave devastating consequences. The disregard then creates growing damage to the environment and people, and it usually isn't until years later that future generations are left responsible for repairing the damages.

The global rights of nature (or "RON") movement is an example of a movement that rejects the dominant approach that believes humans are superior to nature and can exploit it without consideration. However, given the accelerating deterioration of our natural resources, this mindset needs to be applied more rapidly throughout our formal structures. Our current legal systems need to integrate the urgent changes required to address environmental degradation effectively.

Following some First Nations traditions, implementing a seventh-generation principle would benefit our current and future ecological circumstances. A seventh-generation principle would trust that every decision considers sustainable practice for seven generations in the future. In an environmental context, that means using energy, water, and natural resources mindfully. We are all part of Mother Earth and rely on its life sources, so protecting its resources prevents us from having to remediate those damages in the future.

Our legal frameworks must evolve to acknowledge that all beings are born free and equal by incorporating new legal innovations and theories that strengthen our natural relationship with the environment. Modern societies have shown positive trends in various forms of justice, including environmental justice, characterized by increased recognition, awareness, and care for environmental issues. This progress demonstrates the potential for a hopeful future where ecological considerations are integral to our laws, structures, and processes to pave the way for a more sustainable world.