Two principles are fundamental to overcoming the present crisis planet Earth is experiencing: sustainability and caring

Sustainability, based on analytical reason,relates tothat which is necessary to guarantee life and its reproduction for present and future generations.

Caring, grounded on sensible and cordial reason, refers to the behavior and relationships among people and with nature, marked by respect for their otherness, by affection, cooperation, responsibility and the renunciation of aggression.

By joining these two principles we can return equilibrium and vitality to the Earth. We offer here some practical suggestions so that each may engage in a molecular revolution (Guatarri): the one that starts from within one’s self, and is the basis for changing the whole system. Here are some:

Always nourish the conviction and hope that a different relationship with the Earth is possible, one which is more in harmony with her cycles and which respects her limits.

Believe that the ecological crisis must not be converted into tragedy, but into an opportunity for changing into a different type of society, one that is more respectful and inclusive.

Give centrality to the heart, to sensibility, affection, compassion, and to love because these are the elements that move us to save Mother Earth and her ecosystems.

Recognize that the Earth is alive, but that she is also finite, much like a spaceship, with scarce and limited resources.

Revitalize the principle of religation: all beings, especially the living ones, are inter-dependent, and therefore share a common destiny. They must coexist fraternally.

Value biodiversity, and each and every being, living or inert, because each has value, independent of human use.

Recognize the virtues of the small and in all that comes from below, for therein may lie great solutions.

When one does not find a solution, trust in the creative imagination, within which surprising answers are hidden.

Take seriously the fact that there is no single solution for the problems of the Earth, but many, which must arise through dialogue, interchanges, and the complimentary relations among all.

Practice lateral thinking, this is, put yourself in the place of the other and try to see through the other’s eyes. This way you will see different and complimentary dimensions of reality.

Respect cultural differences(peasant, urban, Black, indigenous, masculine, feminine, etc.), because they all reflect different forms of being human.

Overcome the single-minded mentality of the dominant understanding, and value the everyday knowledge of the people, the indigenous and the peasants, because they cooperate in the search for global solutions.

Demand that scientific practices be subjected to ethical criteria so that the conquests are more beneficial to humanity and life than to the market and profits.

Do not forget to appreciate the contribution of women, because they are natural carriers of the logic of complexity and are more attuned to everything that has to do with life.

Make a conscious option for a life of simplicity, as opposed to consumerism. It is possible to live better with less, giving more importance to being than to having; and to appearances.

Cultivate the intangible values, this is to say, those related to spirituality, gratitude, solidarity, cooperation and beauty, such as personal encounters, the interchange of experiences, and the furthering of the arts, especially of music.

More than being part of the problem, consider yourself part of the solution.

Leonardo Boff

09-05-2008

Leonardo Boff, Theologian

Earthcharter Commission

Free translation from the Spanish by

sent by Melina Alfaro, done at

REFUGIO DEL RIO GRANDE, Texas