Neshan Gunasekera & Justin Sobion | Earth Trusteeship and Intergenerational Justice

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.

In this interview, David O. Wiebers explores compassion for all life as the highest human pursuit, surpassing scientific achievement. He argues that compassion fuels creativity, wisdom, and survival. He links neuroscience concepts like resilience and coherence to creativity and social change. Critiquing the human-centric paradigm, he calls for a life-centric shift, emphasizing interconnection, climate action, and animal protection.

Fritjof Capra comments on key ideas from his books and his work advocating for a shift from a mechanistic worldview to a systemic and ecological perspective. He argues that the mechanistic thinking model has failed to address the complexities of our world. Capra emphasizes that life organizes itself in networks that are regenerative, creative, and intelligent, envisioning a systems-based leadership approach. Supported by systems theory, he affirms that this new understanding of life reveals that major global issues are interconnected and require systemic solutions. Capra also advocates for a paradigm shift in ethics and values to address these challenges effectively. In this interview, he provides insightful reflections on systems thinking, the intersection of science and spirituality, the four principles of life, and The Earth Charter.

Brian Swimme elucidates the philosophical and scientific underpinnings of humanity's relationship with the universe. He delves into the concepts of the “universe story” as a framework for understanding our existence, our interconnections as “cosmological beings,” and the evolution of humanity's shared knowledge. Through understanding our cosmological origins and the evolutionary saga, Swimme believes we can cultivate a new consciousness, recognizing ourselves as "cosmological beings" intrinsically linked to the cosmos. This expanded awareness, integrating science and spirituality, can lead to a more harmonious and responsible relationship with Earth and its inhabitants. Swimme sees the Earth Charter as an archetypal example of this evolving planetary wisdom, reflecting humanity's growing understanding of its interconnectedness and responsibility for the planet.

Céline Cousteau expounds upon environmental advocacy and storytelling by sharing her work in documentary filmmaking and public speaking over the past decade, focusing on inspiring hope through conservation success stories. Ms. Cousteau emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things and how modern disconnection from nature and ourselves has led to internal suffering impacting our relationship with the planet. The speakers explore how connecting humans to nature through education, transformational leadership, technology, and self-care could help address issues like ocean pollution.