英文文獻1seouldeclarationonenvironmentalethics

1、1997 Seoul Declaration on Environmental Ethics11997 Seoul Declaration on Environmental EthicsWorld Environment Day 1997 5 JunePeople's PledgePreambleAs humanity moves toward the 21st century, we are left with no choi

2、ce but to redefine the values and principles that underlie our relationship with the Earth. Over the course of history, we see that lifestyles and ways of thinking have changed dramatically, having made tremendous progre

3、ss in science and technology, economic growth, and material wealth. These changes have enhanced the quality of life for some, but have diminished it for others. We also have witnessed the continuation of unsustainable en

4、vironmental practices and lifestyles which have detrimentally affected our surrounding natural environment and indeed our very lives. Clearly, a new approach is required. The global community is in need of a set of imper

5、atives that would allow equitable access to the environmental benefits of the planet, without exceeding its carrying capacity. We must come to an understanding that the current global environmental crisis is a result of

6、dominant value systems, driven by human greed and excessive materialism, and the mistaken belief that science and technology hold the key to the solution of all our problems. Unless we change our values and beliefs, such

7、 conditions will further environmental degradation, and ultimately lead to the collapse of natural systems that support life. Reevaluating what constitutes sustainable development is the only course of action left for hu

8、mankind. We believe that in order to enhance the quality of life and to avoid wholesale ecological destruction, a deeper understanding of life and the formulation of a new system of environmental ethics is required. The

9、key is to recognize that humans and the natural environment are interdependent and part of a larger entity, the “Whole-Life-System.“ We must therefore understand that the environment is not a subject of exploitation, but

10、 is a partner for life. Human society must also begin to better understand itself as a collective and cohesive body whose very welfare is dependent on the welfare of all its constituents -- the cultural, ethnic, national

11、, and generational groups. This new ecological perspective on nature and on ourselves constitutes the best hope of solving environmental crises. The critical decisions that we make must be determined by our own sense of

12、moral strength, nobility of spirit, and a reverence for life. To this end, we require an ethical paradigm based on social equity, respect for diversity, and a culture of cooperation and shared responsibility in preservin

13、g the integrity of the Whole-Life-System. In recognition of these considerations, on this date of June 5, 1997, marking the 25th anniversary of the Stockholm Declaration and the 5th anniversary of the Rio Declaration, we

14、 gather here in Seoul, Korea to declare this “Seoul Declaration on Environmental Ethics“ in order to establish an evolving framework of ideals, principles, and guidelines to sustain life on Earth. 1997 Seoul Declaration

15、on Environmental Ethics3The principles that should guide the development and use of technology must take into account the finite carrying capacity of nature and the intricate interconnectedness of the Whole-Life-System.

16、The development of environmentally-friendly technologies and the accumulation of environmental information must be encouraged. In addition, technologies should be subject to rigorous assessment before and after their app

17、lication to avoid irreparable damage to the environment. The results of such efforts should be exchanged worldwide in order to facilitate joint efforts aimed toward maintaining a more sustainable future.4. Sharing Respon

18、sibilitiesAll members of human society are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the environment as a Whole- Life-System. We must accept our accountability and fulfill such responsibilities with determination in o

19、ur everyday lives. These individual efforts can be enhanced through building networks within and among all levels of civil society and government, industry and business, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). With su

20、ch cooperation and coordinated participation, appropriate policies can be developed and implemented effectively. Guidelines for Action Governments 1. Policy Coordination. All policies must be formulated for the purpose o

21、f preserving the sustainability of the Whole-Life-System. To that end, governments at all levels must ensure that their policies are the result of well orchestrated efforts coordinated among all of the relevant governmen

22、t agencies. 2. Precautionary Approach. All development projects must be subject to rigorous analysis through Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Any project that is expected to have significant adverse environmental

23、 effects must be accompanied by appropriate precautionary mitigation measures and/or alternative action plans to counter all such impacts. As declared in Rio, where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, la

24、ck of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation. 3. Accessibility. Policies concerning development and environmental preservation

25、must reflect the interests and informed judgement of all stakeholders. To achieve full representation, information pertaining to these policies must not only be made available to the public, but done so in an accommodati

26、ng manner to allow sufficient time for public comment to be introduced and incorporated into such policies. 4. Support for Environmentally-Sound Technology. Governments must support the development of environmentally-sou

27、nd technologies for all sectors of the economy and encourage their application. To this end, all governments must endeavor to make the necessary financial commitments to subsidize research, development, and use of the te