Alicia Bárcena | Climate Justice, Democracy, and the Future of Multilateralism

In this insightful episode, we talked with Environmental leader Felix Dodds, reflecting on the leadership of characters like Maurice Strong and the importance of stakeholder engagement in global policy environmental policy. He also explores the current state of the SDGs, and what could be the next stage of that, the process towards UN reform, and the possibilities of change in the global environment governance scenario, in particular around the environment conventions.

In this episode, Sithembiso Nyoni shares about her dedication to grassroots development and improving the lives of all people, especially vulnerable communities, which inspired her to found the Organisation of Rural Association for Progress (ORAP) in Zimbabwe in 1981. Ms. Nyoni expands on how this community-based and culturally rooted initiative has helped foster deeper connections among people and has allowed for the rebuilding of a solid social fabric that had been fractured by the war, thus generating sustainable solutions for both people and the planet. Thanks to ORAP’s transformative work and the collective efforts of Zimbabwe’s rural communities, the country has achieved food self-sufficiency and remains one of the world’s lowest greenhouse gas emitters in the world today. Ms. Nyoni’s message is one of hope and resilience, emphasizing that people most affected by climate change should be actively involved in shaping environmentally sound solutions and feel a genuine sense of belonging in the global response. She therefore invites all people to work together, share knowledge, and co-create a just and sustainable future for all.

Neste episódio do Podcast da Carta da Terra, conversamos com o professor Moacir Gadotti sobre Paulo Freire, educação, cidadania planetária e sua trajetória com a Carta da Terra. Abordamos também temas como ecopedagogia e seu livro Pedagogia da Carta da Terra. O professor Gadotti descreve a Pedagogia da Terra como uma abordagem que insere o ser humano em uma visão mais ampla do universo, buscando restaurar nossa conexão e vínculo com o todo. Ele destacou que essa proposta pedagógica foi um sonho inacabado de Paulo Freire.

In this episode, we talked with Secretary Barcena about the United Nations, its role as it marks its 80th anniversary, and the growing questions surrounding multilateralism. Dr. Bárcena shared that “the erosion of confidence in multilateralism is rooted in unmet expectations, rising inequalities, and the powerlessness of global institutions,” and emphasized that while “we need the UN,” there is also a need to restructure key areas and improve how it operates to make it more effective. She also shared her views on the Escazú Agreement and the connections between the erosion of democracy, social inequality, and environmental breakdown.

This episode features Sabrina Brando discussing the vital link between animal and human wellbeing in professional animal care and conservation-related professions. We talk about the importance of supporting both human and animal welfare across animal facilities and supporting those who work in education and other purpose-driven professions. We reflect on what it means to “treat all living beings with respect and consideration”, including in zoos, aquariums, and sanctuaries, and their roles in urban spaces today. The conversation explores the role of education, research, and conservation in advancing animal wellbeing and conservation and how the Earth Charter offers a guiding framework for ethical and sustainable practices for zoos, aquariums, and animal sanctuaries. Sabrina also shares insights from her doctoral research on employee wellbeing in zoos and aquariums and the importance of self-care and fostering a culture of care within organizations. Additionally, she highlights the work AnimalConcepts is doing to integrate the Earth Charter into zoos, aquariums, animal sanctuaries and academia worldwide. 

In this podcast episode, we discuss the Earth Charter, the Hague Principles, and the concept of Earth Trusteeship, as well as the connection between trusteeship and ethics. We reflect on what Earth Trusteeship means, why it is important, and how it builds on the Earth Charter. We also explore Earth Trusteeship education, intergenerational justice, the Rights of Future Generations, The Pact for the Future, and the roles of states and citizens in these matters. Additionally, we delve into the 2023 book Reflections on Earth Trusteeship: Mother Earth and a New 21st-Century Governance Paradigm, edited by Justin Sobion and Hans van Willenswaard. This interview emphasizes the message that “We are all Earth Trustees, and we have a responsibility to one another and to future generations… and the importance of the rights of future generations.” 

In this podcast episode, Akpezi Ogbuigwe reflects on her experience in the context of Nigeria and as the head of education at UNEP and shares her views on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and its connection to environmental education, climate change education, and broader education for change. She explains that environmental education focuses on managing and improving the relationship between human society and the environment, emphasizing problem-solving skills. Akpezi also discusses the link between environmental education and ethics in educational settings, offering insights into the publication project she contributed to, called Environmental Education, Ethics, and Action: A Workbook to Get Started. She highlights the idea that “ethical awareness leads to practical action.” Toward the end of the conversation, Akpezi offers valuable perspectives on the Earth Charter, discussing its role in expanding "Planetary Consciousness," fostering "the Ethics of Care," and promoting "Intergenerational Justice."  

En este episodio de nuestro podcast, hablamos sobre la importancia de la colaboración entre múltiples actores de la sociedad para abordar los desafíos socioambientales y cómo la comprensión de este tema ha evolucionado en los últimos años. Se destaca cómo la Cumbre de la Tierra de 1992 surge como un momento histórico para involucrar a diversos actores de la sociedad en el desarrollo e implementación de políticas públicas relacionadas con la sostenibilidad. Yolanda comenta algunas experiencias y lecciones aprendidas en su trabajo a lo largo de más de cuatro décadas en el ámbito de la sostenibilidad y conservación. Reflexiona sobre cómo ella ve los desafíos para abordar la crisis ecológica y social, así como el tema de la justicia social y económica que vivimos actualmente en América Latina. También hablamos sobre la UICN y cómo percibe las resoluciones que esta adopta, como la de la Carta de la Tierra 

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Yu Miaojie, president of Liaoning University (LNU), to explore the key ideas of his book China-US Trade War and Trade Talk, the challenges of trade relations between China and the US, and the impact of China trade liberalization in the world. We also reflect on China’s commitment and vision regarding Ecological Civilization—what it means, how institutions are aligning to this idea, and how LNU is embracing this commitment.  Dr Yu shares his views on the role of higher education in shaping a more sustainable world, the connection between Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Ecological Civilization, and how the Earth Charter can help guide this path. We also talk about his vision on where he wants to take LNU.

In her teaching, Heather uses the Earth Charter to inspire students, encouraging them to connect its principles with local projects that foster practical action and hope. She emphasizes the Charter’s relevance in today’s fragmented, crisis-ridden world, highlighting its comprehensive vision of the Earth community, eco-justice, and nonviolence.