RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ON THE HOME PLANET

Earth is the home planet, right for life. But rights, a notable politi cal category, is, unfortunately, a biologically awkward word. Humans, nonetheless, have rights to a natural environment with integrity. Huma ns have responsibilities to respect values in fauna and flora. Appropr iate survival units include species populations and ecosystems. Increa singly the ultimate survival unit is global; and humans have a respons ibility to the planet Earth. Human political systems are not well suit ed to protect life at global ranges. National boundaries ignore import ant ecological processes; national policies do not favor an equitable distribution of sustainable resources. But there are signs of hope.