The Earth Charter initiative

official site

I came across this while looking up definitions of relocalization and was browsing "Understanding Relocalization." Sustainable Bellingham has as one of its goals, "Implementation of the Earth Charter – a sustainable framework and progress measure."

Would it be incorrect to think that the charter shows the ties between Marxism and some forms of environmentalism? Maybe those who are associated with it are not "on the left." There is talk about responsibility and the common good, at least.

From the principles of the Earth Charter:

3. Build democratic societies that are just, participatory, sustainable, and peaceful.
a. Ensure that communities at all levels guarantee human rights and fundamental freedoms and provide everyone an opportunity to realize his or her full potential.
b. Promote social and economic justice, enabling all to achieve a secure and meaningful livelihood that is ecologically responsible.

Are democratic societies necessary for the flourishing of human beings? Are human beings owed democracy? What sort of fundamental freedoms is the charter talking about? As for promoting social and economic justice--what means are permitted?

III. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE

9. Eradicate poverty as an ethical, social, and environmental imperative.
a. Guarantee the right to potable water, clean air, food security, uncontaminated soil, shelter, and safe sanitation, allocating the national and international resources required.
b. Empower every human being with the education and resources to secure a sustainable livelihood, and provide social security and safety nets for those who are unable to support themselves.
c. Recognize the ignored, protect the vulnerable, serve those who suffer, and enable them to develop their capacities and to pursue their aspirations.

9a is ok. Whose task is it to educate the people? The state? Or does the state merely protect the right of citizens to educate each other? Social security and safety nets... is this just more welfare statism?

11. Affirm gender equality and equity as prerequisites to sustainable development and ensure universal access to education, health care, and economic opportunity.
a. Secure the human rights of women and girls and end all violence against them.
b. Promote the active participation of women in all aspects of economic, political, civil, social, and cultural life as full and equal partners, decision makers, leaders, and beneficiaries.
c. Strengthen families and ensure the safety and loving nurture of all family members.

Here we see the influence of radical Marxism/feminism that ignores sex differences and distinction between sex roles... but even if it is difficult to categorize the charter or give it a label, I think with respect to its understanding of politics it is fair to say that it is "modern."

The Earth Charter in Action