Climate change has been profoundly influenced by a complex set of human and societal values and behaviors that affect economic, social and political policies and practices. To address climate change, it is critical to recognize the interconnection of environmental factors with social and economic justice, non-violence, peace and participatory democracy.

Social & Economic: According to the World Health Organization, public health depends on safe drinking water, sufficient food, secure shelter, and good social conditions, which are all affected by a changing climate. The health effects are likely to be overwhelmingly negative, particularly in the poorest communities. Economic doctrine that favors growth and short-term profits over the needs of people and the planet contributes to economic and social inequity and the depletion of Earth's natural resources.

Environmental: Destruction of viable nature and biosphere reserves, including wild lands and marine areas, Earth's life support systems biodiversity, species and ecosystems.

Non-violence & Peace: War and military activities dramatically destroy people and the planet's natural resources. Regional, national and international conflicts and aggressions occur when access to basic food, water and safe shelter is disrupted and natural resources are depleted. Civil unrest emerges with the influx of climate disaster refugees even in industrialized nations.

Participatory Democracy: When there is a lack of transparency, accountability, and citizens' participation in governance, decision-making, the wellbeing of the people and the planet is negatively affected. People must have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their wellbeing from the selection of seeds by Africa farmers to land use by community residents to choice of government leaders by the citizens.

The climate change crisis presents a remarkable opportunity for societies to: (1) Recognize climate change is affected by economic, political, human, and social factors, (2) Move forward on a comprehensive and interconnected approach that effectively addresses all areas. The Earth Charter, a global declaration of interdependence and universal responsibility for a sustainable future provides a transformational ethical framework and guide for moving beyond separatist thinking and activism silos to holistically address climate change and to build a sustainable global community.

Learn more about this author, Jan Roberts.
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