Michel Rocard :

[Translated from French]

We humans have come into existence and have flourished, on this third planet from the sun.

To our knowledge, Earth is the only known planet to foster human life and very likely the only planet to harbor life itself.

There are many conditions that make life-- specifically human life-- possible: greenhouse conditions that regulate the climate, large quantities of saltwater and freshwater, as well as immense mineral, vegetable and animal resources.

This patrimony belongs to us all.

Our rapidly growing population means that it is necessary to pool our resources together.

Now our way of life is endangering the very conditions that gave us life.

Since humanity’s beginning, we have organized ourselves into groups by skin color, language and religion. These groups went on to become nations. Each nation has a say over a given territory that is ruled absolutely. Our organization recognizes this necessity for humans to organize to establish law and order. However, we only recognize such an authority to nations, which can freely decentralize their activities without repercussions from outside forces, even if a nation’s activities include managing our common habitat.

Although we live in a material ecosystem that is by and large shared there is no uniform regulation for this system. Recent disruptions to our global equilibrium show the need to fill this gap in oversight.

The very nature of the system we live in has forced us to consume certain resources faster than they can be renewed. Today, we are the first generation to threaten future generations with extinction.

This same system produces more waste and pollutants than we can possibly destroy. This same system puts the stability of our climate in danger, mortally threatening our species and life itself.

For all of these reasons we must recognize our mutual interdependence.  A common regulation of our habitat – the planet earth – as well as its habitants, its nature and its atmosphere is in order.

Under the condition that every country and all people be represented, heard and respected, we must admit that one or more authorities in charge of ecological regulation and circulation of resources will be necessary for these purposes.

Let us work together to create such institutions. In the name of humanity, let us put to rest the objections invoking national sovereignty that place state interests against the general interest, even if such grievances are legitimate.