The annual Earth Day observed on 22 April globally is a reminder of the urgent need for more appropriate use of our natural resources, their protection, and preservation. Protection and preservation of the earth’s natural resources should be viewed not only in technical and economic terms, but also as a moral and ethical issue.
It is the Bahá’í view that a fundamental component of resolving the climate change and other environmental challenges will be the cultivation of values, attitudes, and skills that give rise to just and sustainable patterns of human interaction with the environment. There is also a need to observe the principles of economic justice, equality between the races, equal rights for men and women, and universal education.
According to a statement of the Bahá’í International Community: “The rapid progress in science and technology that has united the world physically has also greatly accelerated the destruction of the biological diversity and rich natural heritage with which the planet has been endowed. Only a comprehensive vision of a global society, supported by universal values and principles, can inspire individuals to take responsibility for the long-term care and protection of the natural environment”.
In order to sustain civilization, there will always be a need for material resources. As we realize that humanity is one, regardless of race, nationality, religion, ethnic background or gender, there will be a recognition that the earth’s resources and wealth are the common heritage of everyone on the planet.
The Bahá’í International Community states that a “fundamental component of resolving the climate change challenge will be the cultivation of values, attitudes and skills that give rise to just and sustainable patterns of human interaction with the environment,” and, “as consciousness of the oneness of humankind increases, so too does the recognition that the wealth and wonders of the earth are the common heritage of all people, who deserve just and equitable access to its resources”.
Solutions to protect Mother Earth will require a globally accepted vision for the future, based on unity and willing cooperation among all nations of the world. Because so long as one group of nations perceives its interests in opposition to another, progress will be very limited and short-lived.
It is important that we preserve order and balance in nature. The endless acquisition of material goods, resulting by greed, aggravates the destruction of the environment. There will be a need to direct resources away from those activities that are damaging to both the social and natural environment and instead have efforts made towards the creation of systems that foster cooperation and mutualism.
According to the Bahá’í Writings, we need a world federal system to enable humanity to arrange its economic, material, and social life with justice for all people and reverence towards Mother Earth. Such federated, integrated system of global governance will be able to coordinate the just distribution of the planet’s resources and enact laws that ensure universal well-being. )Flora Teckie is a professional architect, a Bahá’í Faith follower, and spiritual columnist.
