Climate change is one of the most widely discussed and influential topics of the modern world. Since changes in nature affect not only people but also other living things, it is crucial to make sure that all of the creatures have equal access to rights that would enable sustainable development and save the planet from being destroyed. The video and readings demonstrate how dangerous it is not to take into account a variety of aspects participating in the functioning of the world.
The “Law of Mother Earth” indicates that not people are not the only ones who should have rights. Moreover, the “Law” urges that people have moral obligations to Mother Earth, and they must not destroy her resources and neglects its needs. According to the “Law,” the life systems of Mother Earth deserve a set of rights, which will increase their chances for survival. Thus, Mother Earth should have the right to “maintain the integrity of life and natural processes,” “continue vital cycles and processes free from human alteration,” “be at equilibrium,” “pure water,” “fresh air,” and others (“Law of Mother Earth”). Singer’s article is also concerned with this topic, the author mentioning that animals deserve the same consideration as humans.
Singer remarks that there is a demand “for a complete change in our attitudes to nonhumans.” Whereas humanity has initiated movements against discriminating against people on the basis of gender or sexual orientation, it has long been neglecting the discrimination against nonhumans (Singer). This idea is further developed in Vidal’s video, which is dedicated to the dramatic outcomes that have been caused by climate change in Bolivia.
The country’s president tends to blame rich and developed states for causing damage to nature. Evo Morales says that it is “shameful” that the US budget for defense is $687 billion, whereas its budget for saving life and preventing climate change is only $10 billion (Vidal 00:23-00:36). For Bolivians, climate change is “a matter of life and death (Vidal 03:17-03:20). Since the majority of Bolivians are indigenous, they hold a strong belief that climate change is the outcome of Mother Nature’s being “out of balance” (Vidal 07:09-07:15). Also, most of these people blame the rich countries for the drastic changes they see around them (Vidal).
All of the authors agree that people are not the only creatures on Earth whose interests should be considered when planning significant changes. Indigenous people interviewed in Vidal’s video believe that “everything on the planet forms a part of a big family” (10:55-11:02). Singer argues that it is necessary to change the attitudes toward nonhumans completely. “Law of Mother Nature” proclaims the equality of people, animals, and plants.
It is crucial to take into account all of the arguments expressed in the video and readings in order to come up with a singular approach to the problems that the planet faces. It is high time for people to realize that if they continue acting as if they are the most important creatures living in the world, they will soon lose everything Mother Nature has given to them. A holistic approach to addressing climate change can save humanity, and it is crucial to start looking for solutions as soon as possible. When people understand that they should cooperate with other species rather than exploit them, they will earn a chance for survival.
Works Cited
“Law of Mother Earth.” World Future Fund, n.d. Web.
Singer, Peter. “Animal Liberation.” The New York Review of Books. 1973. Web.
Vidal, John. “Bolivia: Fighting the Climate Wars.” The Guardian. 2011. Web.