oa World Religions, Earth Charter, and Ethics for a Sustainable Future

In seeking to create a sustainable low carbon future we may need a broader basis for analysis than simply economic indicators of growth. This paper argues that, whilst sustainable development by its very definition focuses on the ethics of using resources equitably across generations (intergenerational equity), there needs to be a ‘revisioning’ that encompasses a fuller range of issues that affect the relationship between humans and the Earth. Such a vision, it is argued, must allow for both to thrive -- a value termed ‘human-Earth flourishing’-- and for this to occur the ultimate criterion of progress must be extended beyond finance to include the criteria of ‘environmental health’ and ‘social wellbeing’. The first part of the paper surveys the emergence of a new field of knowledge and force of action that has brought the world religions and ecology together, to find new ethical solutions for our environmental crisis. The second part of the paper outlines the importance and principles of the existing ethical framework of the Earth Charter, and how values drawn from the diversified practices of religions could enhance this existing ethical framework, for a low carbon future with a flourishing Earth community.