Earth jurisprudence means looking at the actual philosophy and value systems that underpin most legal and governance systems, and making sure that they support, rather than undermine, the integrity and health of the Earth.
Most legal systems promote the interest of the human community while giving no real protection to other species, or to the planet itself. They reflect and perpetuate a view of the Earth as simply a collection of 'resources' or objects which human beings are entitled to exploit for their exclusive benefit.
So what if there were another jurisprudence, based upon the concept that the planet and all species have rights? And they have those rights by virtue of their existence as members of a single Earth community?
Join a growing international network of people who are taking up the challenge of making radical changes in our approach to environmental law making, the philosophy on which laws implement policy, and the systems of governance which enable such laws to be made and applied.
Thomas Berry - in memoriam
Theologian, scholar and one of the most eminent cultural historians of our times, first conceived the idea of Earth Jurisprudence. His work has inspired thousands of people, worldwide, who are looking for a way to return to an Earth-centred worldview.
Thomas Berry passed away on June 1st in Greensboro, North Carolina, peacefully and with family at his side. He has been and will continue to be a source of deep inspiration for evolving and living Earth Jurisprudence. He has reminded us of the beauty and aliveness of Nature and of our inextricable interconnectedness. We will deeply miss him.
Cormac Cullinan
"In order to reorient our governance systems to reflect this Earth jurisprudence we need to establish laws that are ‘wild’ at heart in the sense that they foster, rather than stifle, creativity and human connection to nature".Cormac Cullinan, from South Africa, is an acclaimed environmental lawyer and founder of EnAct International. In response to Thomas Berry’s call to develop an Earth Jurisprudence, Cormac wrote Wild Law, an inspiring and practical guide - aimed at lawyers and activists alike - for a legal philosophy that restores an ecological perspective to governance systems.
News & Events
EARTH JURISPRUDENCE AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE: LEARNING FROM AFRICA
21st-25th September 2009 at Schumacher College, Devon.
How are communities in Africa reviving community and ecosystem resilience in today’s context of climate change and the continuing scramble for land and resources? Join a lively, international group of speakers for a short residential workshop to share experiences and learn how, in Africa and through a global alliance, community initiatives are building resilience and drawing out Earth Jurisprudence thinking.
'CONNECTING WITH OUR WILD SIDE': WILD LAW WORKSHOP
25th-27th September 2009 at The Magdelen Project, Somerset.
A unique outdoor workshop, situated in the stunning countryside on the Somerset and Dorset border, to develop ideas on the role of Earth Jurisprudence and Wild Law in the context of climate change and the associated ecological, social and economic crises.
REPORT ON EARTH JURISPRUDENCE IN EXISTING LAW AND PRACTICE
In March 2009 the UK Environmental Law Foundation (UKELA) and the Gaia Foundation launched their joint report: Is there any evidence of Earth Jurisprudence in existing law and practice? - a highly endorsed review of existing substantive law from a Wild Law perspective. It was also reported on in an article by ENDS Report, the journal for environmental policy and business in the UK.
CALL FOR A UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF PLANETARY RIGHTS
A call has been made for the UN to implement a Universal Declaration of Planetary Rights. Find out more about the campaign to create a new world where prevention and protection stand hand in hand. Join the "Trees Have Rights Too" campaign led by Polly Higgins, Barrister and Associate Consultant for EnAct International.
LAUNCH OF THE EARTH JURISPRUDENCE RESOURCE CENTRE
An exciting initiative, to develop an online Resource Centre that will make publicly accessible materials that advocate and embed Earth Jurisprudence at community, law and policy levels around the world. The EJ Resource Centre aims to help nurture and support a growing international and interdisciplinary EJ Network, and provide advocacy, consultancy, education and training support. More news coming soon.