Together they provide a conception of sustainable development and set forth fundamental guidelines for achieving it. These principles are drawn from international law, science, philosophy, religion, recent UN Summit meetings, and the international Earth Charter conversation on global ethics. The goal of sustainable development is full human development and ecological protection. The Earth Charter recognizes that humanity's environmental, economic, social, cultural, ethical, and spiritual problems and aspirations are interconnected. It affirms the need for holistic thinking and collaborative, integrated problem solving.
Sustainable development requires such an approach.
It is about freedom, justice, participation, and peace as well as environmental protection and economic well-being. Individuals, groups, and organizations are being encouraged to sign on to the official Earth Charter endorsement statement, as this will lend increased energy and enthusiasm to the worldwide effort to promote a sustainable way of life.