What rights, if any, do our ecosystems have? And who will speak for them?
Under the current system of law in almost every country, humans have the right to exploit nature, because lakes, rivers, wetlands, forestlands, and other ecosystems and natural communities are considered to be property. And, as property, its owner has the right to treat it as they choose, including damaging or destroying it.
We are thrilled to announce that One Earth Collective is partnering with the Annual Environment & Spirituality Summit this year! This special event, hosted by our friends at Faith in Place—the IL, IN, and WI affiliate of Interfaith Power and Light—takes place from September 22-24. It offers a unique hybrid experience with all sessions available on Zoom and local keynote watch parties hosted in IL, IN, and WI. You can view the watch party locations here.
In June and July, Austin Grown, a collaborative initiative between One Earth Collective and BUILD Chicago, embarked on a transformative six-week journey of planting, nurturing, and learning. Participants went into the realms of environmental stewardship, racial and social justice, and personal well-being through engaging activities, including hands-on gardening, cooking, and educational excursions.
"Those who have fewer resources often take the brunt of environmental degradation and pollution, but their voices and faces are now being heard and understood and seen. At long last, people are recognizing that the crucial focus of our environmental movement cannot be LED bulbs and recycling but breathable air and drinkable water. What we say about the environment must be placed in a context of justice, of anti-racism. The environmental movement in its best and broadest sense is about justice."
