3. Ecological Civilisation
The planet can only respond to climate change if we humans act, stop its physical abuse, and care for it. Pockets of people worldwide are already taking stock and creating the necessary shift from an industrial to an ecological civilisation. This shift involves philosophical, social, and spiritual changes and transforming our political processes. It is as significant as what we experienced in Yorkshire 250 years ago when transitioning from an agricultural to an industrial society. This time, the difference is that ordinary people will be in charge, working for the common good.
According to Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, things are worsening. Industrialised farming and inappropriate land management practices are among the leading causes of wildlife decline and river pollution.
Sewage and agricultural chemicals have caused water pollution beyond legal limits, affecting everything downstream, including the North Sea. Our rivers are no longer suitable homes for wildlife; they are not fit for people to swim in, and thanks to climate change and growing demand, we are seeing water availability decrease before our very eyes.
Pope Francis
Ecological civilisation seeks to harmonise human activities with the natural environment. It tackles pressing issues such as climate change, air and water pollution, soil degradation, clean energy, food security, and social justice.
Pope Francis reminded us that we are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis, both social and environmental.
Both needing our attention on a global, national and local regional level.
Constitutional Change
Thanks to a recent Citizens Assembly, Ireland is close to becoming the first country in the EU to enshrine the rights of nature into its constitution. The United Kingdom, if not Yorkshire, should follow Ireland’s example.
Several other countries outside the EU have already recognised the rights of nature in various forms. These include Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Bangladesh, Mexico, and even the United States, where several Tribal Nations and local communities have recognised nature’s inherent rights.